Symbols: Old New

The book examines the deliberate destruction of old symbols and the subsequent design of new ones, showing how revolutionary leaders used these tools to consolidate power. For example, creating national flags to inspire allegiance. The concept of iconoclasm is key, illustrating how removing old symbols delegitimized the previous regime.

The book underscores the power dynamics and ideological conflicts inherent in these transformations, which often involve negotiation and compromise. The book progresses from theoretical frameworks to case studies of flag design, national holidays, monuments, and seals. It analyzes the success of these symbols in fostering national unity and addresses the ongoing debates surrounding them. By focusing on the agency of revolutionary actors, Symbols: Old New provides a fresh perspective on how national identities are constructed and contested through visual representation.