The Relevance of Nationalism in Europe Today

Many authors have argued that processes of globalisation will eventually lead to the end of nationalism, the nation-state, and the demise of national identities. Taking only a glance at the social and political realities, one will soon realise that these predictions have been utterly wrong. Even within the European Union, where a high level of economic but also political and cultural integration have been achieved, nationalism and racism rear their ugly heads – again. Here, various types and examples can be found: - growing success of right wing extremist parties in various countries; - growing nationalist tensions between states; - violent nationalist conflicts and exclusion of minorities; - strengthening of national identities and nationalist movements. In the first part of the seminar, we will approach the subject from a theoretical angle, and will conceptualise relevant key concepts (nation and national identity, racism, identity politics, identity conflicts). As a second step, we will analyse the importance and the specific types of nationalism and nationalist conflicts in Europe on the basis of selected case studies (e.g. the radic al right in Europe; refugees and racism; referendum on independence in Scotland; Northern Ireland). This course will be taught in English. The number of participants is limited to 30. Registration on Stud.IP is required. Politik, Bachelor (fachübergr.) VM 5 Universität Hannover WiSe 2016/17 Institut für Politische Wissenschaft Dr. Hoppe Marcus