Globalisation and Historiography of National Leaders: Symbolic Representations in School Textbooks, the 18th book in the 24-volume book series Globalisation, Comparative Education and Policy Research, explores the interrelationship between ideology, national identity, national history and historical heroes, setting it in a global context. Based on this focus, the chapters represent hand-picked scholarly research on major discourses in the field of history textbooks and symbolic representations of national heroes, and draw upon recent studies in the areas of globalisation, history textbooks, and national leaders.A number of researchers have written on the importance of teaching national history in order to foster national identity and a sense of belonging to a certain society, state, and people among the younger generation. Some nations prefer to create national heroes out of their political leaders who are still in power, and whose lives and reputation areportrayed as being eminently spotless. Using diverse comparative education paradigms from critical theory, social semiotics, and historical-comparative research, the authors analyse the unpacking of the ideological agenda hidden behind the choice and lionization (or silencing) of the preferred national heroes. They provide an informed critique of various historical narratives depicting national leaders and national heroes.The book provides an easily accessible, practical yet scholarly source of information on international concerns in the field of globalisation, history education and policy research. Offering an essential sourcebook of ideas for researchers, history educators, practitioners and policymakers in the fields of globalisation and history education, it also provides a timely overview of current changes in politically correct history education narratives in history textbooks.

Inhalt
1 Globalisation and Historiography of National Leaders.- Part 1 Research Trends in Globalisation and Historiography of National Leaders: Symbolic Respresentations in School Textbooks: Europe and Russia.- 2 Russian History Textbooks in the Putin Era: Heroic Leaders Demand Loyal Citizens.- 3 Political Leaders in Russian History Textbooks between the Rise and Fall of the Cult of Personality (1938-1962).- 4 How do Czech Children Remember their 'Father'? Visual Representations of the first Czechoslovak President, T.G. Masaryk, in Czech History Textbooks in Communist and Post-communist Times.- 5 Benito Mussolini in Italian High School Textbooks.- 6 History of Spain Textbooks: Diversity in the Portrayal of National Leaders.- 7 Religious Nation or National Religion: Poland's Heroes and the (Re) Construction of National Identity in History Textbooks.- 8 History Textbooks for French High Schools: Events, Long-term Trends, Europe and Skills, Not National Leaders.- 9 Stephen the Great (1457-1504):A National Hero for Romanians.- Part II Research Trends in Globalisation and Historiography of National Leaders: Symbolic Representations in School Textbooks: Asia/the Rest of the World.- 10 The Politicization of U.S. History Textbooks: Reinventing Ronald Reagan.- 11 Representation of National Leaders in History Books and Textbooks in South Africa: A Transitiological Study.- 12 National Heroes and National Identity Education: A Comparison of Mainland China and Hong Kong's Textbooks.- 13 The Master Narrative Indoctrinating Patriotism: National Heroes in Pakistani School Textbooks.- 14 Gender Mainstreaming in Textbooks Discourse via the Metaphorical Account of Malalai of Maiwand, Afghanistan.- 15 Resurfaced and Disappearing Past: National Heroes in History Textbooks of Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan.- 16 The portrayal of John Curtin as Australia's wartime Labor Prime Minister.- 17 Research Trends in Globalisation and Historiography of National Leaders: Symbolic Representations in School Textbooks.