The book uniquely explores nationalism by applying the theory of multiple modernities, offering a comparative analysis through three significant case studies: Anglo-British, Finnish, and Japanese nationalism. It delves into how each case reflects distinct modernities, providing insights into the complex relationship between national identity and modernity across different cultures.
This is a careful examination of the historical formation of Britain and of key moments in its relations with the European powers. The author looks at the governing discourses of politicians, the mass media, and the British people. The rhetoric of sovereignty among political elites and the population at large is found to conceive of Britain's engagement with Europe as a zero-sum game. A second theme is the power of geographical images – island Britain – in feeding the idea of the British nation as by nature separate and autonomous. It follows that the EU is seen as 'other' and involvement in European decision-making tends to be viewed in terms of threat. This is naive, as nation- states are not autonomous, economically, militarily or politically. Only pooling sovereignty can maximize their national interests.
Concepts of Europe and the Nation
Exploring the 'pro-European' aspect of Scottish nationalism, this book delves into how these sentiments shape Scotland's identity and political landscape. It examines the relationship between Scottish nationalism and European integration, highlighting the potential consequences for the United Kingdom as a whole. Through a nuanced analysis, the work provides a deeper understanding of the intersection between national identity and European ideals within the context of contemporary politics.