Nationalism and the Nation in Modern Europe

In the twenty-first century, it seems like nationalism might be a thing of the past. Yet the resurgence of far-right populist movements in the West and even distinctly national responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic has demonstrated the resilience of nationalism and the nation. Why is the idea of the nation so enduring? This course explores the development of nationalism and the emergence and consolidation of nation-states in modern Europe. Through case studies, scholarly and popular articles, and short works of theory on nationalism, students will gain an understanding of the origins of nationalism and European nation-states and their historical trajectory until the present day.