It also doesn't worry me. Nationalism in the context of democracy is not (generally) dangerous. It certainly is not irrational. On the contrary, nationalism - meaning the assertion of the right to self-government and cultural autonomy by the people of a nation - is often the most sensible way for a free society to run its affairs. The main alternatives are usually empire or anarchy.
Interestingly, the subject of national sovereignty versus other models of sovereignty is a major theme throughout the Hebrew Bible, with nations contending with each other as well as with multinational empires and sovereign city-states. Generally, the Bible prefers a nation-state model for the Jewish people, though other models are also experienced. All yield mixed results; none produce long-term stability or security.
Passover marks the Jewish nation's first steps towards national soveriegnty, and is thus an appropriate time to study the question.
Over the years, Azure has run a number of articles in support of the nation-state and critical of "post-nationalist" supranational and subnational models. Recommended reading for Pesach:
- On the National State - Part 1: Empire and Anarchy by Yoram Hazony (Winter 5762 / 2002).
- Who's Afraid of the Nation State? by Ofir Haivry (Autumn 5759 / 1998).
- Global Pillage by Jason Elbaum (Autumn 5759 / 1998).
Hag Herut Sameah!
2 comments:
Gotta love the Shalem Center. It's my dream to work for them. (Which I hope someone passes that on to them by the next year :-))
Ever thought of sending them a resume? Helps sometimes.
I'd give you a reference if I knew you. And if I were willing to break anonymity.
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