Nation and Mankind: Analysed from the Sociological Point of View

'Habent sua fata libelli' ('Books have their own destinies'). 'Nation and Mankind' was first published in 1910 in Georgia under the pseudonym of Baton. In the Soviet time, this book written by a widely recognized Georgian researcher and orientalist Mikheil Tsereteli (1870-1965) was prohibited and unknown for the broad audience. It was available only for fortunate few. After over a century, the book is relevant today. Globalization has brought to the surface such concepts as nation, mankind and their interaction. It gives the scientific answer to the burning question of the contemporary life - 'What is the role of the nation in mankind?' According to the fundamental idea of the book, the only creator of the culture and history is a nation. In this perspective, the author analyses a series of problems acutely debated and discussed today. The main concept that runs throughout the text is the idea of 'universal freedom' which is interpreted by the author as the freedom of an individual as well as of a nation. This freedom should be applied both on intra-national and international levels. Academic definitions used by Mikheil Tsereteli of such concepts as nation, mankind, nationalism, internationalism, etc. remain important today 'Nation and Mankind' motivates and inspires both specialists and interested readers to discuss and research. They will find some answers to the contemporary problems facing the world. The editors hope that this publication will evoke further discussion and research of the fundamental issues brought up by the author.