This course critically examines the place of nationalism within the broader spectrum of modern political ideologies. We will explore the unique characteristics that distinguish nationalism and how contemporary political theory addresses this complex phenomenon. Key topics include the structural comparisons between nationalistic, racist, and fascist discourses, the underlying causes of ethnic conflicts, and the distinct features of nationalism in Eastern Europe and Russia following the events of 1989. Additionally, we will investigate whether the world is currently experiencing a resurgence of nationalism and, if so, the factors driving this trend. The course is structured around a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminars. A significant focus will be placed on the theoretical contributions of Benedict Anderson, Ernest Gellner, and Eric Hobsbawm, along with the work of their contemporary successors in international academia. Students will be expected to engage with and critique the writings of prominent liberal, Marxist, and feminist scholars, offering their insights through in-depth readings and discussions.
