ABSTRACT
Among the political aims of education, many liberals give a key place to preparation for democratic citizenship. Not all of them, by any means, also favour the cultivation of national sentiment. It is not surprising, given the bellicose history of the twentieth century, that supporters of liberal democracy have so often lined up against enthusiasts for the nation. Liberal democrats have stood for such values as personal self-determination, limited government and a politics based on the use of reason rather than force. Twentieth-century nationalists have subordinated individuals’ interests to those of the nation, loyalty to which has been presented as one’s highest duty; and have too often been quick to resort to war and to internal repression to promote their chauvinist goals.
