Matthew D'Auria et al., "The Cambridge History of Nationhood and Nationalism" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
Apr 7, 2025
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Aviel Roshwald, an American historian and Professor at Georgetown, Matthew D'Auria, a Lecturer in Modern European History, and Cathie Carmichael, a Professor at the University of East Anglia, dive into nationhood and nationalism. They discuss the evolution of these concepts, the interplay of cultural practices and historical events, and critique traditional nationalist theories. They also explore how patriotism shifts during wartime and offer a transnational perspective that challenges Eurocentric narratives, highlighting nationalism's complex ties to identity and politics.
The podcast unveils the transformation of a monograph into a comprehensive two-volume work reflecting diverse scholarly perspectives on nationalism.
It emphasizes the historical roots of nationalism, arguing that ideas of community and belonging precede modern nationalist movements.
The discussion highlights the necessity of recognizing transnational influences on nationalism, challenging the notion of nations as isolated entities.
Deep dives
Origins of the Book on Nationhood and Nationalism
The discussion highlights the genesis of the two-volume work, 'The Cambridge History of Nationhood and Nationalism.' Initially, there was an intention to produce a monograph on nationalism, which was transformed into a more expansive edited volume involving collaborations among scholars from various backgrounds. The authors wanted to encompass a breadth of perspectives and historical contexts, steering away from conventional methods tied strictly to national narratives. This approach emphasized inclusivity of ideas, enabling a rich collection of essays that reflect the complex trajectory of nationalism throughout history.
The Long-Lasting Nature of Nationhood
The editors explored a distinctive approach to the concept of nationalism, proposing that it should not be restricted to modern contexts but instead viewed through a historical lens that includes ancient and early modern communities. They argue that ideas of community and belonging often predate formalized nationalist movements and can interact with and be influenced by diverse factors, such as culture, politics, and regional identities. This perspective challenges the notion that nationalism is a strictly modern invention, thereby prompting a deeper investigation into its historical roots and diverse manifestations. By organizing the volume thematically rather than nationally, the authors aimed for a more holistic understanding of national identities.
Distinguishing Nationhood from Nationalism
A critical insight revolves around the differentiation between 'nationhood' as the emotive experience of national belonging and 'nationalism' as its ideological and political expression. Nationhood is perceived as a collective identity based on shared heritage and culture, while nationalism is viewed as the movement that mobilizes these feelings into a quest for political rights and statehood. This nuanced distinction emphasizes that the emergence of national sentiment often occurs prior to or concurrently with the rise of nationalism. The editors discuss the complex interplay between national feelings and political ideologies, suggesting that understanding them involves examining their historical contexts and evolving interactions.
Nationalism’s Transnational Dimension
The conversation stresses the significance of transnationalism in the formation of national identities, recognizing that nationalism is not merely an isolated phenomenon but is often shaped by interactions with neighboring nations. The editors argue against viewing nations as discrete entities, emphasizing that nationalist movements frequently respond to, adapt from, and influence one another across borders. By recognizing the interconnectedness of national sentiments, historians can gain deeper insights into the nature of nationalism. The volume aims to unravel the common misconceptions surrounding nationalism as being solely a product of a specific locale, advocating for an understanding that encompasses a broader, more interconnected perspective.
Modern Challenges in Nationalism Studies
The dialogue touches on contemporary challenges faced within the study of nationalism, particularly regarding the resurgence of various nationalist movements globally. The speakers note that prevailing right-wing and populist nationalisms often exploit historical narratives and sentiments to galvanize political support. They highlight the importance of redefining nationalism to counteract the negative aspects often associated with it, such as exclusion and tribalism. By embracing a more complex understanding of both the constructive and destructive potentials of nationalism, scholars can strive to reshape the discourse around national identity and its influence in current socio-political contexts.
The origins and nature of nationhood and nationalism continue to be topics of heated scholarly debate. This major new reference work with contributions from an international team of scholars provides a comprehensive account of ideas and practices of nationhood and nationalism from antiquity to the present. It considers both continuities and discontinuities, engaging critically and analytically with the scholarly literature in the field.
The Cambridge History of Nationhood and Nationalism (Cambridge UP, 2024) also explores nationhood and nationalism's relationships with a wide variety of cultural practices and social institutions, in addition to the phenomenon's crucial political dimensions. Its wide range of regional case studies brings a truly global, comparative perspective to a field long constrained by Eurocentric assumptions. Volume I tracks turning points in the history of nationhood and nationalism from ancient times to the twentieth century. Volume II theorizes the connections between nationhood/nationalism and ideology, religion and culture. Together, they enable readers to understand the roots of how nationhood and nationalism function in the present day.
Cathie Carmichael is Professor of European History at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Matthew D'Auria is a Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of East Anglia.
Aviel Roshwald is an American historian and Professor of history at Georgetown University.
Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter.
