This collection of essays brings together international lawyers with their perspectives on how the international community has coped with contemporary cases of nationalist crisis and constitutional lawyers from states which are attempting to facilitate the political expression of national identity through developments in federalism, devolution, and the protection of minority rights. The aim is to explore to what extent existing legal mechanisms permit a flexible engagement with, and accommodation of, the aspirations of national and ethnic groups. It would appear that a heightened level of fluidity in the interaction and exchange of normative standards now exists in the relationship between international and domestic law as both types of system confront the challenge which national identity continues to constitute. As this process marks a renewed preparedness on the part of legal systems to expand imaginatively to meet current problems it is hoped that this collection will highlight opportunities for an ongoing process of development in this complex and troubled area.

Ever since Crevecoeur formulated his famous question, Americans have asked themselves: "What, then, is the American, this new man?", and even more urgently so once it became predictable that the traditionally majoritarian position of Anglo-Americans will dissolve in a sea of multi-ethnicity. What constitutes an American nation and produces collective identity among an extremely heterogeneous population? This comparative issue is addressed by sociologist Liah Greenfeld in her introductory essay. Other essays contributed by historians and political scientists from the U.S., England, and Germany discuss historical developments and phenomena which have led to regional or group-specific identities which, in complex ways, contribute to, and interact with American national identity and nationalism.

Presented by Renshon (political science, City U. of New York), 12 contributions examine identity politics in the United States from a number of ideological perspectives, exploring what it means to be an American and calling for various courses of action. Some argue that the problem can be found in the inability of our political leaders to show authenticity and courage in tackling racial differences. Other articles suggest that affirmative action, school integration, and other initiatives that have hitherto been based on race should instead be based on class, in order to broaden public acceptance and address real inequalities. Still other viewpoints argue that increased immigration is a divisive problem, that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 paved the way for a dangerous emphasis on multiculturalism; and they criticize Bill Clinton's initiative on race as empty, scripted public relations events. c. Book News Inc.

How can we maintain a strong national identity without going too far? Having pride in one's country, its history and values, is important, but what happens when that is threatened by new immigrant groups? When a country becomes more diverse, whether it's race, ethnicity, or religious faith, does the nation's identity expand to accommodate those changes or does it become more rigid, setting the stage for an "us" and "them" conflict? Through diverse perspectives from countries around the world, this volume explores facets of national identity. Readers will analyze its purpose, benefits, dangers, and its future in a changing world.

National identity is often cited as a contributing factor to many of the world's worst trouble spots, for example the troubles in Israel, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. This book addresses the issue of how national identity differs from racial, ethnic and regional identity.

Seminar paper from the year 2007 in the subject American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 2,0, University of Duisburg-Essen, course: A Survey of American History, language: English, abstract: Unlike other western countries the USA are a country that accommodates not only one ethnic group but an immense number of different nationalities. America is a multicultural society and is considered to be the world’s largest immigration country. Hence, its racial make-up is very heterogeneous and its composition is permanently changing. The American society is known for its varying cultural scenes because of the different ancestries of its inhabitants. That is why the US is often confronted with questions concerning their national identity. The main consideration of this term paper deals with the unanswered question of America’s national identity. First of all the issues of immigration and heterogeneity are examined in order to explain why it is difficult to find a national identity in America. Further, different concepts of national identity are explained, among them the Melting Pot, Americanization, Anglo-Saxon Racism and Cultural Pluralism. These concept are investigated in terms of their general statements, current occurrence and if they are suitable for a common national identity.

This concise and comprehensive account of the place of national identity in modern life, affords a new analysis of the concept of identity, arguing that we are now in a position to envisage the end of nationalism.