Nation, state and empire

With the end of the Cold War and the triumph of globalisation, many believed that nationalism now was a thing of the past: instead the opposite is true. Today, we can see nationalism spreading across the world, as populistic and anti-democratic movements grow stronger.

Belonging somewhere seems to become even more important in a time of economic and social uncertainty. In a globalised world, identity, citizenship, and belonging are consequently connected to birthplace and an established residence.

In these essays the writers consider how different kinds of identity are tied to different kinds of communities. How does a nation emerge? How is unity achieved in an empire with a diverse population?