Nationalism stands today as the dominant form of political organization and imagination, with the vast majority of the world living in nation-states and with national belonging acting as one of the primary forms of identity. It has retained this status despite facing changes and challenges throughout history and, indeed, has even won renewed support in the success of contemporary neo-nationalist movements worldwide. However, the near-universality of nationalism in the contemporary world belies the fact that it, like all forms of social and political organization, is historically constructed.
This 12-week course acts as an introduction to the study of nationalism, examining key moments and inflection points in its spread and development. Beginning by familiarizing students with key debates, the course examines the history and rise of the nationalist ideal, the rise of the nation state, the relationship between nation and imperialism, and the arrival of anti-colonial nationalism and ultranationalism as major political forces in the early twentieth century, with the final weeks of the course examining the relationship between nationalism and violence and the role of nationalism in shaping the discipline and writing of history and our understanding of the past.
