Glenda Sluga traces internationalism through its rise before World War I, its mid-century apogee, and its decline after 9/11. Drawing on archival material and contemporary accounts, this innovative history restores internationalism as essential to understanding nationalism in the twentieth century.
The book explores the complex history of Trieste, a significant port city, through the lens of identity politics encompassing national, ethnic, and gender dimensions. It challenges traditional narratives that emphasize the stark differences between Italian and Slav populations, revealing how these narratives shaped perceptions of identity and sovereignty throughout various historical periods, including the Hapsburg empire, Fascist Italy, and the Cold War. By examining the evolution of these narratives, the author highlights their influence on contemporary political concepts and identities.