Liberal Nationalism

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This timely and intelligent essay addresses a central social and political issue of our time. The major achievement lies in its critical theory of nationalism, using historical and contemporary examples to explain the value of national commitments and their moral limits. The author urges liberals not to cede nationalism to conservative or racist ideologies, proposing that liberalism's respect for autonomy can coexist with nationalism's emphasis on belonging and loyalty. She introduces "liberal nationalism," a theory that harmonizes these values. Nationalism is framed as an affirmation of communal and cultural memberships, seeking recognition and self-respect. The author argues that national groups can achieve these benefits through political arrangements beyond the nation-state. While acknowledging the disadvantages faced by national minorities, she provides guidelines for addressing these issues, drawing from current conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. This work connects personal autonomy, cultural membership, political obligations, and global justice, highlighting previously unnoticed interconnections across political philosophy, ethics, law, and sociology, and offering a fresh perspective on nationalism's role in modern political thought.