Why Nationalism

Yael (Yuli) Tamir makes the case that nationalism can be a powerful force for liberal ends, reclaiming it from right-wing extremists and redirecting its power to progressive ends. She argues that nationalism can empower individuals and answer basic human needs, and that it is essential to democracy at its best.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 19 February 2019
\n Publisher: Princeton University Press
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Why Nationalism is a Permanent Political Force—and How it Can Be Harnessed Once Again for Liberal Ends

Nationalism is making a resurgence worldwide, often causing significant concern. Populist politicians exploit nationalism for authoritarian, chauvinistic, racist, and xenophobic purposes, reinforcing the view that it is fundamentally reactionary and antidemocratic. However, Yael (Yuli) Tamir presents a compelling argument for a different kind of nationalism that revives its participatory, creative, and egalitarian virtues, addresses many of the problems caused by neoliberalism and hyperglobalism, and is essential to democracy at its best.

In her book, "Why Nationalism," Tamir explains why it is more important than ever for the Left to recognize these qualities of nationalism, reclaim it from right-wing extremists, and redirect its power to progressive ends. Far from being an evil force, nationalism's power lies in its ability to empower individuals and address basic human needs. By using nationalism to reproduce cross-class coalitions, all citizens can share essential cultural, political, and economic goods. Shifting emphasis from the global to the national and putting one's nation first is not a way of advocating national supremacy but of redistributing responsibilities and sharing benefits in a more democratic and just way.

Tamir makes a compelling case for a liberal and democratic nationalism by providing an original account of how neoliberalism and hyperglobalism have allowed the Right to co-opt nationalism for its own purposes. She argues that the Left must recognize the potential of nationalism to bring people together and address social and economic inequalities. By reclaiming nationalism from right-wing extremists and redirecting its power to progressive ends, the Left can create a more inclusive and equitable society.

"Why Nationalism" is a timely and essential rethinking of a defining feature of our politics. It challenges the negative perception of nationalism and offers a vision for a more democratic and inclusive world. By recognizing the positive aspects of nationalism and harnessing its power for progressive ends, the Left can build a stronger and more resilient political movement.

\n Weight: 400g\n
Dimension: 220 x 144 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780691190105\n \n