Liberal and Illiberal Nationalisms

How people construct their idea of home influences the types of nationalisms that emerge in various parts of the world. These nationalisms can be inclusive or exclusionary, tolerant or intolerant, peaceful or violent. In this important new book, Ray Taras provides a comprehensive analysis of the history and study of nationalism. He describes what happens when home is defined as empire (Russia and India), secessionist state (KwaZulu and Quebec), uninational Volkstaat (Germany and Israel), or transnational community (Islam and anti-Americanism). Finally, he explores the idea that the mantra of multiculturalism has fuelled conflicts over what home is and generates divisions within and between communities.

RAY TARAS is Professor of Politics at Tulane University in New Orleans. He has served on the Faculty of Universities in Canada, England, Denmark and the United States. He has been a National Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University.