Books in the Short Histories of Big Ideas series

Colonialism was the formative power used by western European powers (Britain, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.) This book is a fascinating account of the history of colonialism and its consequences for the 21st century.

The fate of the environment was one of the most important issues of the twentieth century and remains a vital problem, dominating public politics and private interest across the globe and in practice. This work presents an introduction to the debates, the movements, the successes and failures of environmentalism.

Feminism is a cultural as well as a political movement. This book looks at the challenge made by feminists to prevailing ideas about a 'woman's place', the complex relationship between equality and difference, women's solidarity and the relationship between feminism and other social and political reform movements.

Has communism shaped the contemporary world? This overview of the history of communism challenges us to think about its role in shaping the contemporary world. It shows how the modern communist movement emerged out of radical millenarian movements of the Middle Ages and the English Civil War, becoming a mass movement of industrial society.

"This is a superb introduction to a crucial chapter in Jewish history for the uninitiated reader. In this engaging and highly accessible book, David Engel provides a concise, informative and lucid account of the history of the modern Zionist movement and its impact on both Israeli society and Israel's relations with Diaspora Jewry."Yael Zerubavel, Professor of Jewish Studies & History at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and author of "Recovered Roots: Collective Memory and the Making of Israeli National Tradition.""David Engel's book is a masterpiece of brevity and insight, offering a sweeping survey of political Zionism - from its 19th century inception, through its practical realization, to its standing in contemporary Israel. The debate on Zionism as the liberation movement for Jews everywhere is greatly enriched by this fascinating study." Ronald W. Zweig, Taub Professor of Israel Studies at New York University and author of "Britain and Palestine During the Second World War."

Contains introductions to the ideologies that shaped the twentieth century. This book provides a study of nationalism that explores the origins and purpose of the division of human kind into national groupings. Exploring the history of nationalism, it suggests that nations work best when they possess the ability to criticise their nationalism.