ABSTRACT
National identities express a sense of loyalty to the nation-state and its institutions. Belgium is an artificial construct, both as a nation-state and as a constitutional monarchy. Its existence has as much to do with great power politics in Europe as with the aspirations of its people for self-determination. Identities at that time were based on emotional attachments to broad linguistic groups, religion, and local provinces. The nation-state is no longer the sole guarantor of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The regional and EU institutions now compete with the nation-state for the most effective implementation of these principles of liberal democratic government. The combined effect of European integration has been contradictory. It safeguarded the nation-state politically and economically. The combination of the growing cultural, political, and economic distance between French- and Dutch-speaking Belgians has had a grave effect on the viability of a Belgian national identity.
