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Nationalism in a Globalizing World

Painting of woman carrying the French flag over a battle field, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain Public Domain

'Liberty Leading the People' by Eugène Delacroix

Since its emergence in 18th century Europe, the history of nationalism has been closely intertwined with that of the state. Although the 'nation' and 'state' are not terms that should be automatically intertwined, any discussion of the present and future ‘state of the state’ must nevertheless address the continued role of nationalism in today’s world.

Therefore, in this particular dossier, we start by exploring different concepts of nationalism and how they have evolved over time. We then introduce the concept of multiculturalism into our discussion and wonder whether it is a palliative to some of the more retrograde and unsettling aspects of nationalism. How the interplay of multiculturalism and nativism is playing itself out in contemporary Europe and Russia is our next focus area, as is our look at Denmark and the issue of border controls in a de-bordering world. Finally, we explore how contemporary identity politics (to include the Occupy Movement) is impacting peoples’ traditional definitions of themselves in national terms.

World flags, courtesy c-reel.com/flickr

Evolving Ideas of Nationalism

19 Dec 2011 / Special Feature

The ISN begins its study of nationalism by outlining the historical development of nationalist discourse and the purposes to which it now applies. The investigation further demonstrates that the idea of nationalism has a complex – and sometimes troubled – historical past, which may be attributable to its socially constructed nature. More on «Evolving Ideas of Nationalism»

Dr Aglaya Snetkov

Nationalism and Multiculturalism in Russia

20 Dec 2011 / Audio

Dr Aglaya Snetkov, senior researcher at the Center for Security Studies, discusses the Russian approach to the challenges posed by multiculturalism and nationalism. She notes the disparity between policy and practice, and tensions inherent in the Russian national identity. More on «Nationalism and Multiculturalism in Russia»

Campaign posters at the Vienna airport

The Response to Multiculturalism – Nativism and Populist Politics

21 Dec 2011 / Special Feature

Today, the ISN presents a multimedia feature mapping the spread of nationalist and populist parties throughout the EU. We outline each party’s political objectives, as well as its fortunes at national and European parliamentary elections. More on «The Response to Multiculturalism – Nativism and Populist Politics»

Border stone and fence, courtesy of Michael Caroe Andersen/flickr

Responding to Multiculturalism: Border Control - The Last Battle of the European Nation State?

22 Dec 2011 / Special Feature

Even though borders may be losing their physical relevance, they have retained their symbolic importance. As the example of Denmark shows, the ability to control borders in order to keep the 'other' out remains an important function of the nation-state, at least for some. More on «Responding to Multiculturalism: Border Control - The Last Battle of the European Nation State? »

Creating New Identities Beyond Nationalism

23 Dec 2011 / Special Feature

Over the last year we have seen civil society across the globe exercise new and devolved forms of power, and in unprecedented ways. Has this led to the creation of transnational identities that go beyond the traditional? More on «Creating New Identities Beyond Nationalism»

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