The Past and Future History of Nationalism

In: European history quarterly, Band 26, Heft 4, S. 591-602

Abstract

An analysis of the seven books reviewed here suggests that historical approaches to the relationship among nationalism, racism, & ethnicism may be more productive since nationalism is not a recognizable institution & social scientists often distort analyses of historical process. A review of medieval nationalism reveals that late-medieval states acquired the resiliency of organized institutions, making successors to the Roman Empire possible. It is concluded that the future of the nation-state is precarious & will rely on historical contingencies. J. W. Parker