Nation and Identity in Contemporary Europe

The resilience of nationalism in contemporary Europe may seem paradoxical at a time when the nation state is widely seen as being "in decline". Why should so many movements across the continent be seeking to preserve or replicate a mode of political organization whose efficacy and legitimacy is increasingly open to doubt? Challenged from above by the imperatives of globalism and from below by the complex pluralism of modern societies, less and less are able to "deliver the goods" in terms of policy or to provide the primary focus for social identity, the nation state faces an uncertain future. This book examines the many manifestations of this ambivalent process across Europe, focusing both on the specifics of national identity in individual countries and on the external forces that are shaping contemporary perceptions and reactions - economic globalization and European supranationalism, the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Eastern bloc, mass migratory movements and North-South tensions. In this wider context, the resurgence of nationalism appears less like a paradox than like an "epiphenomenon" of the crisis of nation-state structures.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction, 2. Nation and Nationalism in Europe: A Theoretical Perspective, 3. The Language of Racism in Contemporary Europe, 4. Race, Nation and Identity in Fortress Europe, 5. Reconsidering 'Britishness': The Construction and Significance of National Identity in Twentieth Century Britain, 6. Nation, Nationalism and National Identity in France, 7. Post-War National Identity in Germany, 8. Italian National Identity and the Failure of Regionalism, 9. Multiple National Identities, Immigration and Racism in Spain and Portugal, 10. The Failure of Nationalism in Post-Communist Poland 1989-95: An Historical Perspective, 11. Nationalism and National Identity in Russia, 12. Politics, Culture and National Identity in former Yugoslavia, 13. Conclusion.

Review :

'Required reading for all politicians, journalists and organizations whose work involves coming to terms with the strength and complexity of nationalism, racism and ethnicity in the new Europe ... An essential addition to the reading list of any course which deals with these topics.' - Roger Griffin, Oxford Brookes University

'In sum Nation and Identity in Contemporary Europe can be viewed as a successful interdisciplinary treatment of a highly topical issue. The explanations are successful and each single article conveys well-founded knowledge.' - Dorle Drackle, Nationa and Nationalism, Volume 3

'...the broad overview of historical traditions of national identities in Europe assembled here especially with a view to the section on Eastern Europe makes it worthwhile introductory reading.' - Imke Sturm, Humboldt University, Berlin

Nation and Identity in Contemporary Europe provides the reader with a detailed and intriguing overview of the role(s) of nationalism in Europe and the issues that will continue to stoke the fires of nationalism into the twenty-first century. Readers should certainly look for further volumes of this series and include this one on their shelves.' - Erich Frankland, University of Oklahoma.