Philosopher's Zone Nationalism and immigration
Jun 5, 2025
Jonathan Wolfe, a Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Oxford, navigates the nuanced connections between nationalism and immigration. He challenges the idea that nationalism inherently fosters exclusion, discussing its historical context and emotional impacts. Wolfe highlights the diverse experiences of asylum seekers across generations and contrasts them with the assimilationist views of their families. Additionally, he explores how urban and rural identities shape national sentiments, advocating for cultural coexistence and questioning the philosophical necessity of nationalism.
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Wolfe's Family Asylum Story
- Jonathan Wolfe shares his family's history as asylum seekers fleeing persecution and discrimination across three generations.
- His grandmother assimilated deeply, even opposing immigration, while his mother embraced immigration support.
Different Nationalism Purposes
- Nationalism often has different purposes, including exclusive forms that seek to purify the nation.
- Exclusive nationalism defines insiders versus outsiders and can lead to extreme exclusion or hostility.
Immigration and Living Standards
- Immigration often benefits countries economically by creating demand as well as supply.
- The moral argument says richer citizens shouldn't claim entitlement to living standards built on past exploitation.