'Vera Ranki's work is an eye opener. Passionate, without being polemical, it is a lucid and superbly researched examination of how, when hatred becomes part of national identity, it can lead to genocide. Ranki uses the case of Hungary to illustrate the changing politics of nationalism and the role of hatred in the process of exclusion. The lessons she draws apply not only to Hungary. Ranki's book is a superb addition to our understanding of the concept of modern identity and nationalism.' William Shawcross

'Extraordinarily well written, Vera Ranki's is a scholarly work of excellent quality. It is an interdisciplinary enterprise that unites modern historiography with sociological, political, legal, psychological and philosophical analysis.' Professor Ferenc Eros, Hungarian Academy of Sciences

'Ranki's integration of literary illustrations and allusions with historical sociological analysis makes the portrait of Hungarian society readable, scintillating and alive.' Professor Colin Tatz, Director, Centre for Comparative Genocide Studies, Macquarie University

In The Politics of Inclusion and Exclusion, Vera Ranki traces the social history of Hungarians and Jews. She shows how in less than a hundred years, state policies shifted from demanding and welcoming assimilation, to institutionalised antisemitism. The case of Hungary provides poignant illustration to the failure of inclusion through assimilation and to the role of the political ethos, the state and of legal institutions in the process of institutionalising exclusion.

This is essential reading for anyone interested in Jewish and East Central European history, the Holocaust, European nationalism, liberalism and conservatism.

The study on which this book is based won the 1997 Jean Martin Award from The Austarlian Sociological Assocation for the best doctoral thesis over a two year period.