The Limits of Nationalism - Softcover

Gans, Chaim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521004675 ISBN 13: 9780521004671

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2003

Synopsis

This book discusses the justifications and limits of cultural nationalism from a liberal perspective. Chaim Gans presents a normative typology of nationalist ideologies, distinguishing between cultural liberal nationalism and statist liberal nationalism. Statist nationalisms argue that states have an interest in the cultural homogeneity of their citizenries. Cultural nationalisms argue that people have interests in adhering to their cultures (the adherence thesis) and in sustaining these cultures for generations (the historic thesis). Gans argues that freedom- and identity-based justifications for cultural nationalism common in literature can only support the adherence thesis, while the historical thesis could only be justified by the interest people have in the long-term endurance of their personal and group endeavors. The Limits of Nationalism examines demands often made in the name of cultural nationalism, such as claims for national self-determination, historical rights claims to territories and demands entailedby cultural particularism as opposed to cultural cosmopolitanism.

About this title

Book Description

This book is a contribution to debates surrounding the concept of nationalism. Chaim Gans is particularly concerned with 'cultural' nationalism, according to which people sharing a common history and culture have a fundamental interest in adhering to that culture and sustaining it. Taking evidence form the experience of Israel, Gans aims to provide a liberal justification for nationalism, and relates this to the practical demands which derive from it; national self-determination, rights over territory, priority in immigration, and the assertion of the superiority of a particular national way of life.

About the Author

CHAIM GANS is Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law, Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0521004675
• ISBN 13: 9780521004671
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 204