COVER ILLUSTRATION: DAVIDE BONAZZI–SALZMANART. THIS PAGE: STEVE SAYERS–THE SECRET STUDIO/DREAMSTIME 3
Will Brexit mark a new dawn for the
UK? Or will it fuel the kind of rift
that has torn other states apart?
As the United Kingdom sets out into its brave new
post-EU world, questions persist about the form it will
take in the years and decades to come. In January, prime
minister Boris Johnson rejected calls for a second Scottish
independence referendum, but there are those who argue
that Brexit marks a major shift in circumstances for
Scotland since it last voted on its future in 2014.
This issue, we explore the history
of the ‘nation state’, and examine
the forces that have threatened
the survival of such states
around the world, from
eastern Europe to the
Middle East. What are
the roots of these crises?
And why are such tensions
building now? Read our
experts’ insights from page 28.
Through the ages, identity has
been based on various factors. A sense of ‘nationality’
is one; others include reproductive roles and gender. Yet,
as two of this issue’s features explore, these are also open
to renegotiation. On page 20, Susan Mattern charts the
changing ways in which the menopause has been viewed
around the globe, and how those views shape how women
experience that life stage. And, on page 48, Jen Manion
introduces pioneering transgender individuals who
challenged societal norms.
From the real lives of the Aztecs (page 12) to the
psychologists who explored the behaviour that enabled
the Holocaust (page 64), there’s plenty more besides. And
thanks to everyone who voted in
our poll to choose history’s greatest
leader – the response was fantastic.
You can discover the winner at
historyextra.com/greatleaders.Matt Elton
Editor
[email protected]
+44 (0)117 300 8645WELCOME ISSUE 21
BBC World Histories explores the
history behind the headlines, and offers
fresh perspectives on our global pastMORE FROM US
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