The Virtue of Nationalism

In the wake of Brexit and Donald Trump, nationalism has been accused of racism, hatred, and violence. However, Yoram Hazony argues in "The Virtue of Nationalism" that nationalism was not always considered evil and that it was instrumental in freeing the world from the vision of universal empire. He contends that global governance has reawakened hatreds and that we must choose between a world of independent states or a renewal of universal empire.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2018
Publisher: Basic Books

In the aftermath of Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, a surge of discourse has emerged surrounding nationalism, with many accusing nationalists of harboring racism, hatred, and violence. However, it is important to note that nationalism was not always viewed in such a negative light. Figures such as John Stuart Mill, Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ben-Gurion, among others, considered themselves nationalists.

The question arises: Were the individuals of that era misguided in their emphasis on self-determination for all peoples? Yoram Hazony, in his book "The Virtue of Nationalism," presents a compelling argument in favor of national sovereignty in the face of mounting criticism. He traces the historical roots of nationalism back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when English, Dutch, and American Protestants revived the Old Testament's love of national independence. These Protestants rejected the vision of universal empire proposed by German-Catholic Holy Roman Emperors, instead advocating for a world of independent states.

The legacy of this vision is profound. It served as the foundation of opposition to imperialists of subsequent eras, ultimately leading to the liberation of peoples from various regions, including Poland, India, Israel, and Ethiopia. Hazony argues that the tide of nationalism began to shift in the 1960s, with globalists asserting that self-determination had led to two World Wars and the Holocaust. In response, they propose global governance as a solution, with well-intentioned aims. However, this approach has inadvertently reignited hatreds, fostering chaos and revolt across the world.

Hazony presents a stark choice: We can either embrace a world of independent states or witness the resurgence of universal empire, perhaps in the form of the European Union or American hegemony. He emphasizes that anyone who values their freedoms must advocate for a world of nations. The book "The Virtue of Nationalism" serves as a powerful reminder of the historical significance of nationalism and its potential to bring about positive change. It challenges us to reconsider our views on national identity and sovereignty in the contemporary context.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781541645370