Nationalism and Internationalism Intertwined: A European History of Concepts Beyond the Nation State

The modern world is more international than ever before, but the concept of internationalism is complex and multifaceted. Nationalism and Internationalism Intertwined explores discourses and practices to challenge nation-centered histories and trace the entanglements that arise from international cooperation, involving a multidisciplinary group of scholars from history, discourse studies, and digital humanities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The modern world has become increasingly international, with a plethora of terms used to describe politics beyond the nation-state. These terms include "international," "European," "global," "transnational," and "cosmopolitan," among others. However, the complexity of this field is evident from the sheer number of terms used to describe it. Nationalism and Internationalism Intertwined explores discourses and practices that challenge nation-centered histories and trace the entanglements that arise from international cooperation. This book is a multidisciplinary effort, involving scholars from history, discourse studies, and digital humanities, who seek to understand how internationalism has been experienced, understood, constructed, debated, and redefined across different European political cultures and in relation to the wider world.

Since the eighteenth century, Europe has been a hub of internationalism, with various discourses and practices shaping its political landscape. Nationalism and Internationalism Intertwined examines these developments, exploring how internationalism has been experienced, understood, constructed, debated, and redefined across different European political cultures. The book brings together a diverse group of scholars from various fields, who employ a range of methodologies to analyze the complex interplay between nationalism and internationalism.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of language in shaping internationalism. The authors argue that the use of specific terms and metaphors can influence how people perceive and interpret international events and relationships. For example, the term "European" has been used to describe a political and cultural entity that is distinct from other parts of the world, but it has also been used to perpetuate stereotypes and divisions. Similarly, the term "globalization" has been used to describe the increasing interconnectedness of the world, but it has also been criticized for its emphasis on economic and technological factors at the expense of social and cultural considerations.

Another theme of the book is the relationship between nationalism and internationalism. The authors argue that nationalism and internationalism are not mutually exclusive, but rather are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Nationalism can provide a sense of identity and belonging, while internationalism can promote cooperation and collaboration among nations. However, the authors also note that nationalism can be used to justify exclusionary policies and undermine international cooperation.

The book also explores the historical roots. The authors argue that the history of internationalism in Europe is marked by a series of ruptures and continuities, with periods of increased cooperation and periods of conflict. For example, the European Union was created as a response to the aftermath of World War II, with the goal of promoting economic cooperation and political stability in Europe. However, the EU has also faced challenges, such as the rise of nationalism and the Brexit referendum, which have highlighted the tensions between national identity and international cooperation.

In conclusion, Nationalism and Internationalism Intertwined is a valuable contribution to the study of internationalism in Europe. The book offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interplay between nationalism and internationalism, and its insights are relevant to scholars and policymakers alike the world over. By challenging nation-centered histories and tracing the entanglements that arise from international cooperation, the book provides a new perspective on the history and future of international relations in Europe and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800733145