Is Post‐nationalism or Liberal‐culturalism behind the Transformation of Irish Nationalism?

Abstract

This paper asks whether it is possible to associate the social and political developments in contemporary Ireland with either of two normative alternatives to traditionalist nationalism. Both post‐nationalist and liberal‐culturalist models are outlined and key expectations identified. When compared against contemporary Irish experience, some developments appear to echo the major features of the models, yet several contradictory trends are noted. Most significantly, both models assume a level of progress on diversity and difference that has yet to be manifested. The experience in Ireland therefore suggests that significant shifts in nationalism or national identity may not indicate the full adoption of new normative commitments on the part of a population. This finding sounds a note of caution regarding our interpretation of national transformations, raises concerns over the potential for normative drift, suggests a re‐evaluation of the role of national attachments and calls for leadership in addressing potentially neglected moral priorities.