Abstract
Loyalty: whether we are talking about concepts of loyalty at an individual, family, community, organisational or state level, this is a word that generally elicits passionate responses. But what do we actually mean by the term 'loyalty'? And, in today's globalised, transnational world, is loyalty a term that still has salience and relevance? Whilst loyalty might be seen by some as outdated, signifying the attachments of subjects to their monarchs, or outbursts of fist-thumping xenophobia, it is clear that ideas about 'loyalty' remain significant, as the chapters in this volume illustrate. In particular, notions of loyalty are pivotal in processes of identity formation, for both the individual and the larger social body. This volume critically addresses concepts of 'loyalties' and brings together an eclectic range of contributions and multidisciplinary approaches, drawing on sociology, politics, law and history.