ABSTRACT
Identity is a powerful force of selfconception which perceptibly affects behavior, and can be a valuable tool in keeping a citizenry loyal to the state, particularly as channeled through nationalism. This chapter argues that the nation-state is the best place to search for evidence of identity change, particularly in the European context in which France can be located. It argues that political elites, such as elected government officials and official opposition, are best placed to manipulate internal and external dimensions of their nation-state to influence issues affecting identity. The significance of identity is clearly seen in the nation-state. The chapter takes the state to be a monopolistic entity within a set of well-defined boundaries over which it has good control and is largely perceived as legitimate. Elites play an important role in the development of the nation, which is a modern, historical construction. Modern nations in Europe arguably began first as elite organizations.
