Nationalism: Historical Roots and Contemporary Effects

Nationalism remains a powerful political force, even in democratic countries with long traditions of liberalism and republicanism. This course examines key aspects of the history, current state, and functioning of nationalism worldwide. It is structured around three sets of questions. First, we explore nationalism as a macro-historical phenomenon. Is nationalism ancient or recent? How did the nation-state become the dominant form of political organization globally? What is the relationship between nationalism and warfare? What is the current state of nationalism around the world, and how has globalization affected it? Next, we turn to institutions and social divisions within nations and states. How are citizenship and civil rights related to nationalism? How does nationalism interact with other systems of social division, particularly gender, ethnicity or race, and religion? Finally, we focus on individuals' beliefs, emotions, and attitudes. What are the components of national identity? How do such beliefs shape political attitudes and responses to major events such as elections, natural disasters, or wars? Why are some people willing to risk their own lives—or the lives of others—in the name of the nation? How are the recent rise of radical-right populist leaders and increased political polarization connected to individual-level national beliefs? Learning in this course combines three modes of engagement: guided reading, class discussion, and hands-on investigation of student-selected cases.