The problem of national identity: Ancient, medieval and modern?
Anthony D. Smith
Abstract To grasp the similarities and differences between modern pre‐modern collective cultural identities, we need to move beyond dominant paradigms of perennialism modernism their conflicting passions and, aided by clear working definitions key terms in field, construct ideal types ethnicity nationality. This procedure allows us assess evidence from a number examples identities both ancient medieval worlds, independently assumptions. The resulting picture reveals that, while national identity is mainly phenomenon, ethnic communities are widespread processes formation representation found all epochs. Though ‘empirical’ approach has its problems, it more sensitive historical context nuance, conveys fuller picture, than perspectives field today.
Ethnic and Racial Studies