Connected histories,power and meaning: Transnational forces in the construction of collective identities

The construction of collective identities is central to Shmuel N.Eisenstadt’scomparative research program, as reflected in his studies of civilizations and multiple modernities. This article suggests the theoretical relevance of bridging comparative and transnational studies, calling attention to the impact of connected histories in processes of crystallization of collective identities. Focusing on Central America, this analysis shows that, following independence, the societies of this region found it hard to articulate distinct identities; they came to such issues belatedly, almost by default; and were unable to completely disengage from transnational forces that pulled them together time and again. It thus indicates how societies oftenlead a Janus-faced dynamics in constructing their visions of collective membership, which can only be followed by taking into account transnational undercurrents at worklong before the onset of recent cycles of globalization.