The impetus of conflict on the reproduction of national identity among exiled Palestinians Evidence from a fieldwork in Syria

Abstract

This paper discusses the reproduction of Palestinian nationalism among exiled Palestinians in Syria. Through a description of micro-level processes by which nationalism is reproduced, it is shown how important conflict and political struggles are in the formation of national identity and the directions it takes; also among immigrants who do not themselves live in the midst of the conflict. The paper argues that children should not be neglected in studies of nationalism. Memories of conflict and forced migration are found important in socialising the children, who are considered important co-actors in the process of preserving Palestinian nationalism in exile.