李茜评《殖民的影响》｜中东稳定绿洲——约旦的国家认同之路

Core Argument - The book "Colonial Effects: The Making of National Identity in Jordan" by Joseph A. Massad explores the impact of British colonial rule on the formation of national identity and culture in Jordan, analyzing how colonial and post-colonial dynamics shaped nationalism and identity [4][5][6]. Summary by Sections Overview of the Book - The book examines the British mandate in Jordan and its influence on national identity and culture, focusing on the interplay between state, colony, and post-colonial regions [4][5]. Legal and Military Influence - Massad discusses the dual role of law and military in shaping national identity, using Foucault's theories on disciplinary institutions to analyze how these entities both suppress and produce identity [6][7]. Historical Evolution of Jordanian Identity - The author divides the historical evolution of Jordanian identity into four phases: colonial, anti-colonial, state expansion and contraction, and internal fragmentation, highlighting the role of legal and military changes in each phase [10][11]. Role of Palestinian-Jordanian Relations - The book addresses the complex relationship between Palestinians and Jordanians, detailing how legal and political dynamics have influenced national identity and the marginalization of Palestinian-Jordanians [11][12]. Nationalism and Cultural Production - Massad argues that nationalism in Jordan has been shaped by both repressive and productive mechanisms, with the state controlling cultural narratives through legal and military institutions [7][9]. Contemporary National Identity - The book discusses the rise of Jordanian nationalism and its increasingly exclusionary nature, particularly in relation to Palestinian identity, and how this has been influenced by historical and political contexts [10][13]. Critique of Colonial Legacy - Massad critiques the notion of colonial legacy as a heritage, arguing that it oversimplifies the complexities of Jordanian identity formation and overlooks the agency of the Jordanian people [15][16]. Geopolitical Context - The geopolitical significance of Jordan is emphasized, noting its role as a buffer state in the Middle East and its complex social structure influenced by tribal affiliations [26].