Interwoven Forces: How Globalisation and Nationalism Shape Modern History with Professor Siniša Malešević

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

Globalisation is not the enemy of nationalism; instead, Professor Malešević shows, the two forces have developed together through modern history. Malešević challenges dominant views which see nationalism as a declining social force. He explains why the recent escalations of populist nationalism throughout the world do not represent a social anomaly but are, in fact, a historical norm. By focusing on ever-increasing organisational capacity, greater ideological penetration and networks of micro-solidarity, Malešević shows how and why nationalism has become deeply grounded in the everyday life of modern human beings. The author explores the social dynamics of these grounded nationalisms via an analysis of varied contexts, from Ireland to the Balkans. His findings show that increased ideological diffusion and the rising coercive capacities of states and other organisations have enabled nationalism to expand and establish itself as the dominant operative ideology of modernity.

Malešević’s main research interests include the study of war and organised violence, ethnicity, nation-states, and nationalism, empires, ideology, sociological theory and the comparative historical sociology.

Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir .The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli.

This episode is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies.