Teleological and reflexive nationalism in the new Europe

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Abstract

This chapter examines the growing influence of reflexive over teleological nationalism in sub-state movements. Teleological nationalism is the more conventional modern type, involving a menu of set goals, the ultimate being full sovereignty. Reflexive nationalism, by contrast, involves an adjustable relationship between a self-defining ‘people’ and a set of institutional platforms, where collective goals are cumulative rather than predetermined, relative rather than absolute. Reflexive nationalism claims a standing right to decide - ‘sovereignty of choice’ rather than ‘sovereignty of outcome’. Particularly in the unsettled environment of contemporary multilayered Europe, where the supranational EU challenges the sovereign authority of member states, national movements (in Scotland, Catalonia, Flanders, etc.) tend towards reflexive nationalism.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChanging Borders in Europe
Subtitle of host publicationExploring the Dynamics of Integration, Differentiation and Self-Determination in the European Union
EditorsJacint Jordana, Michael Keating, Alex Marx, Jan Wouters
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter10
Pages163-180
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9780429959721
ISBN (Print)9781138588820
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2018

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