1st Edition

Treason Meanings and Motives

By Eric Carlton Copyright 1998
    264 Pages
    by Routledge

    264 Pages
    by Routledge

    First published in 1998, this volume is a historical and comparative study of treason, whose aim is to clarify and categorize the diverse and often mixed – even confused – motives which underlie treason, both at its conspiracy and implemental stages. Its approach is to use case studies ranging from classical society to modern cases of treachery to examine this complex issue. Some of the case studies will have a familiar ring, but others will not be so well known, as the book is not merely a popular recitation of spy stories. Rather, it is concerned with the nature of treason, and offers some theoretical pointers to treason as a social and psychological phenomenon.

    The text demonstrates that, while in common speech the term ‘treason’ has pejorative connotations, it is, in fact, a multi-faceted phenomenon which merits much closer investigation.

    1. Treason: Are there any Relevant Theories? 2. Treason and Resentment: The Macedonian Conspiracies. 3. Treason and Divided Loyalties: The Late Roman Republic. 4. Treason as Fiction: Hernando Cortes and the Conquest of Mexico. 5. Treason and Ambiguity: The Monmouth Rebellion. 6. Treason as Negotiation: Denmark and the Policy of Measured Expediency. 7. Treason and Accommodation: Dutch Collaboration under Nazi Pressure. 8. Treason and Political Misjudgement: The Case of the British Free Corps. 9. Treason as Appeasement: Great Britain 1938-41. 10. Treason and Disillusionment: The Case of Count Ciano. 11. Treason as Attribution: The ‘People’s Democracy’ in Hungary. 12. Treason and Opportunism I: The Double Defection of General Fromm. 13. Treason and Opportunism II: The Desertion of SS General Fegelein. 14. Treason and Ideology: The Tension of the Double Life. 15. Treason as Disloyalty: The Un-American Activities Phenomenon. 16. Treason and Assassination: Turbulence in Latin America. 17. Treason and Material Reward: The CIA versus the KGB. 18. Treason and Blackmail: Sex, Scandal and Betrayal.