Partiality to Conationals or Solidarity with the Oppressed?

Abstract

A number of liberals defend nationalism as compatible with, even an aid in realizing, the values of liberty, democracy and social justice. In the process, they also defend the doctrine that it is legitimate to grant moral priority to conationals or compatriots. While not hostile to national attachment in all circumstances, and conceding a limited universalist case for prioritizing fellow group members, this article argues that even liberal nationalism is liable to be found wanting in situations where dominant-group nationals are called upon to show fulsome solidarity with their oppressed national ‘other’. It focuses on the way liberal nationalism and sentimental partiality to conationals can distort moral judgement, rendering it difficult for dominant-group nationalists to recognize and fight oppression. The case is illustrated by way of a critical discussion of the reaction of liberal Zionists to the second or Al Aqsa Intifadain Israel–Palestine.