Habsburská cesta rozvoje občanské společnosti
The Habsburg Road to the Development of Civil Society

Discussion on the Book Pieter Judson, The Habsburg Empire. A New History (2016)

Summary/Abstract: The discussion forum ‘The Habsburg Road to the Development of Civil Society‘ is devotedto the recent monograph of the American historian Pieter Judson Habsburg Empire.A New History (2016). The discussion forum focuses on the question as to whether Judson´s interpretation succeeded in overcoming the national framework of Czech history.Gary Cohen (University of Minnesota) assesses Judson´s book against the background ofrecent changes in North American historiography of Central Europe and basically seesit as a successful alternative to the nation-based historical narratives. Judson, in his view,provides an interpretation based on interaction between the citizens and the authorities.Pavel Kladiwa (University of Ostrava) appreciates Judson´s narrative but does not seethe concept of an empire as a viable alternative to national history. Kladiwa suggests thata narrative based on the history of the interventionist welfare state would be a better alternativeto nation-based historical narratives. Ivo Cerman (University of South Bohemia)appreciates Judson´s intention to base his narrative at a local level. However, Judson´sinterpretation of the evolution of the Rechtsstaat is rather misleading. Cerman believesthat Judson´s narrative does not provide an alternative to the nation-based interpretationsbecause it is, too, limited only to questions of nationalism and nation-building.

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