'In today's globalised and media savvy environment, the role of state and non-state symbols has become more important and in many cases more dangerous and evocative.

Whether the topic is ethnic identity, Japanese imperialism, Panamanian shipping law or the defeat of Nazism, flags speak volumes about our human condition' - Lawrence Joffe, Jewish Chronicle 'An engagingly written, veritable page-turner. are a quick, visual way of communicating loyalties, power and ideas' - Robbie Millen, The Times 'Marshall points out that we often forget the aggressive symbolism of established flags. a truly fascinating book that feels all the more considered and urgent in today's world of Brexit, Trump, China and ISIS' - Dan Lewis, Wanderlust magazine “A fascinating tour of the world’s ensigns, their histories and meanings … a sobering lesson in just how silly we human beings can be” – Daily Mail

“Full of sharp analysis and a very entertaining read” - Andrew Neil In nine chapters (covering the USA, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, international flags and flags of terror), Tim Marshall draws on more than twenty-five years of global reporting experience to reveal the histories, the power and the politics of the symbols that unite us – and divide us. They represent the politics of high power as well as the politics of the mob.įrom the renewed sense of nationalism in China, to troubled identities in Europe and the USA, to the terrifying rise of Islamic State, the world is a confusing place right now and we need to understand the symbols, old and new, that people are rallying round. Flags fly at the UN, on the Arab street, from front porches in Texas. And still, in the 21st century, we die for them.

When you see your nation’s flag fluttering in the breeze, what do you feel?įor thousands of years flags have represented our hopes and dreams.

Tim marshall books