Nations Without Nationalism

Underlying Julia Kristevas Nations Without Nationalism is the idea that othernesswhether it be ethnic, religious, social, or politicalneeds to be understood and accepted in order to guarantee social harmony. This book is an impassioned plea for tolerance and for commonality, aimed at a world brimming over with racism and xenophobia. Responding to the rise of neo-Nazi groups in Germany and Eastern Europe and the popularity of the National Front in France, Kristeva turns to the origins of the nation-state to illustrate the problematic nature of nationalism and its complex configurations in subsequent centuries. For Kristeva, the key to commonality can be found in Montesquieus esprit generalhis notion of the social body as a guaranteed hierarchy of private rights. Nations Without Nationalism also contains Kristevas thoughts on Harlem Desir, the founder of the antiracist organization SOS Racisme; the links between psychoanalysis and nationalism; the historical nature of French national identity; the relationship between esprit general and Volksgeist; Charles de Gaulles complex ideas involving the nation and his dream of a unified Europe. Nations Without Nationalism reflects a passionate commitment to enlightenment and social justice. As ethnic strife persists in Europe and the United States, Kristevas humanistic message carries with it a special resonance and urgency.