ABSTRACT
'Nation' is an elastic concept - political, cultural, psychological dimensions, reflect the intensity of national consciousness the strength of which may depend on the particular combination of political and cultural parameters in the historical experience of the respective nation. The variety of nations is matched by a variety of explanations as to their essential characteristics. National identity may generate common prosperity, mutual security, great works, the development of political institutions, or a propensity for sacrifice. All 'national states' have domestic considerations when constructing and operating external policy. Nationalism has its own radius of associated terms and concepts. This 'official nationalism' may be challenged by the 'political nationalism of the electorate', which will occur if the latter are sufficiently dissatisfied by the direction and results of the former. While the desires of individual cultures to flourish ensures a commitment to diversity, there is no supranational organization presently capable of creating a common European culture, in effect, a European 'nation'.
