Introduction

This introductory chapter gives an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. National identity and attachment to national culture have taken root even in this era of globalization. Contemporary theoretical analyses of the phenomena surrounding nationalism and multiculturalism, in all their forms, whether philosophical or empirical, are almost exclusively focused on cases based in Western cultures and societies. The book aims to address the ongoing neglect in studies of nationalism and multiculturalism and explore new perspectives, concepts, and theories that are socially relevant, culturally suitable, and normatively attractive in the East Asian context. It attempts to overcome academic parochialism—a tendency often found among scholars who use concepts and develop theories in ways only intelligible to those trained in their chosen academic discipline—which currently stands in the way of a more expanded understanding of the theory and practice of nationalism and multiculturalism.