The use of binaries in nationalism studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT This introduction to the themed section 'Beyond Binaries of Nationalism' critically reviews the use of binaries in nationalism studies. It identifies a lack of precision in the use of ideal types as a key failing, and points to new conceptions and types. The contributions to the section question the reification of binaries, most especially western/eastern and civic/ethnic and their attendant biases, and instead emphasize a certain ideological fluidity in the character of nationalism.