Learning from Global Democratic Challenges and Innovations Mini-Conference I: Author Meets Critics: "Varieties of Nationalism: Communities, Narratives, Identities" by Harris Mylonas and Maya Tudor

Session Submission Type: Author meet critics

Part of Mini-Conference

• Learning from Global Democratic Challenges and Innovations Mini-Conference I

Session Description

Nationalism is the most powerful political ideology of the modern age. Nationalism has been intrinsically linked with the horrors of World War II, but also the decolonization movements following World War II. Today, no other political doctrine commands such global popularity as that a people should be self-determined and sovereign. Nationalism has come to define modernity both by shaping the international system of nation-states and by regulating individual loyalty and solidarity within the confines of a nation.

This "Author(s) Meets Critics" roundtable on Harris Mylonas and Maya Tudor's recently published "Varieties of Nationalism: Communities, Narratives, Identities" (Cambridge University Press, 2023) will delve into a discussion on the causes, varieties, and consequences of nationalism.
This book challenges conventional dichotomies by scrutinizing the multifaceted nature of nationalism, transcending oversimplified characterizations of 'good' or 'bad' nationalisms.

The book also reframes our understanding of nationalism by dissecting its components through an analysis of three pivotal questions: a) Does a national community exist?, b) How do national narratives vary?, and c) When do national narratives matter? By approaching nationalism along these lines, the authors unveil five key dimensions that bring about a multitude of varieties: Elite and popular fragmentation of national communities; ascriptiveness and thickness of national narratives; and salience of national identities.

Chaired by Zeynep Bulutgil (UCL), this discussion will feature an array of esteemed critics: Bart Bonikowski (NYU), Aram Hur (Tufts University), Eun A Jo (Cornell University), Oxana Shevel (Tufts University), and Andreas Wimmer (Columbia University). The panelists will critically engage with these dimensions and scrutinize the conceptual framework presented in the book. They will also assess the implications of this framework for nationalism studies.

Once the presenters comment on the book the authors, Harris Mylonas (George Washington University) and Maya Tudor (University of Oxford), will respond and a Q&A will follow.

This roundtable promises an intellectually stimulating session, consolidating our knowledge on nationalism and highlighting its significance in contemporary political developments.

Sub Unit

• Theme Panel

Chair

• H. Zeynep Bulutgil University College London

Presenters

• Bart Bonikowski New York University

• Aram Hur The Fletcher School, Tufts University

• Eun A Jo Cornell University

• Harris Mylonas George Washington University

• Oxana Shevel Tufts University

• Maya Jessica Tudor Oxford University

• Andreas Wimmer Columbia University