HistoryExtra podcast Nationalism: everything you wanted to know
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Aug 23, 2025 John Hutchinson, an academic and author specializing in nationalism, delves into the fascinating evolution of the nation-state concept. He discusses how nationalism thrives in crises, revealing its complexities beyond predominantly right-wing narratives. The podcast explores the fine line between nationalism and patriotism, alongside the interplay between nationalism and socialism. Hutchinson also highlights how remembrance rituals shape national identity and the paradox of rising nationalism in a fragmented, globalized world.
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Nationalism Crosses Ideological Lines
- Nationalism spans the political spectrum: liberal, socialist and conservative forms all exist.
- Major ideologies often adopt nationalist projects to secure political communities and institutional bases.
Inclusion Depends On Perceived National Interest
- National identity can be exclusionary or expansionary depending on perceived threats and national interests.
- States selectively admit or exclude migrants based on shifting security, economic, and demographic needs.
Internal Conflict Can Forge Unity
- Internal historical divisions provide competing narratives that can later unify the nation under shared symbols.
- Figures like Joan of Arc can bridge religious and republican identities to create cohesion.
