ABSTRACT
The tension between universalist and ethnically based states has played a major role in the political landscape of the Western world for centuries, dating back to ancient times. This chapter argues that the modern idea of the political is historically founded in the nation state. The ambition to have closer collaborations, and more open borders between nations, has increased over a long period, hence the term post-nationalism. Post-nationalism can then be seen as a pressing political concern, ready to be examined in the era of late modernity. Nationalism comes in two basic varieties, a liberal and a non-liberal version. Universalist ideas and institutions were plunged into crisis by the retraction of national support from important players such as the United Kingdom and the United States. European politicians have assumed that the institutional development from national politics to international co-operation could continue to expand. The process towards internationalisation and global agreements and openness is countered by re-nationalism.
