In nearly two decades since Samuel P. Huntington proposed his influential and
troubling 'clash of civilizations' thesis, nationalism has only continued to
puzzle and frustrate commentators, policy analysts and political theorists. No
consensus exists concerning its identity, genesis or future. Are we reverting to
the petty nationalisms of the nineteenth century or evolving into a globalized,
supranational world? Has the nation-state outlived its usefulness and exhausted
its progressive and emancipatory role?
Opening with powerful statements by Lord Acton and Otto Bauer - the classic
liberal and socialist positions, respectively - Mapping the Nation presents a
wealth of thought on this issue: the debate between Ernest Gellner and