Mackenzie Lecture in Politics
Date: Thursday 28 February 2019
Time: 16:00 - 17:30
Venue: Adam Smith Lecture Theatre (ASB1115) Adam Smith Building
Category: Public lectures
Speaker: Professor David Miller

~This lecture will examine the widely-held view that in Western democracies we are currently experiencing a resurgence of nationalism that poses a threat to liberal values. This is often interpreted as a backlash by the relatively deprived against liberal elites. Backlash theory as an explanation for nationalism isn’t new – I briefly outline Isaiah Berlin’s version. Before accepting it, however, it is essential to look empirically at national identities for signs of change, either in strength or content. I present evidence that these identities have remained remarkably stable over time. I also show that oft-cited contrast between ethnic and civic nationalism is empirically problematic. Equally, there is no evidence of a fundamental conflict between nationalism and liberal values. While there has undoubtedly been an increase in support for nationalist parties across Europe and elsewhere, explanations of this in terms of cultural backlash and an upsurge of nationalism at grass roots level must be rejected.