The rebirth of European nationalism

Abstract

The former French Prime Minister, Charles De Gaulle, had once famously stated that “patriotism is when love for your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first”. This dissertation addresses three main topics. The first is on the issue of the rebirth of European nationalism, and the questions that arose on how the migrant and Eurozone crisis affected European national elections and nationalism between 2014 and 2017. It will also discuss whether the above has been the reason behind the rise of nationalism and far-right parties. This dissertation will further explore whether European integration is functioning at a time when the far-right and nationalism are booming. The main aim is to identify whether there is indeed a link between the migrant and the euro-crisis, and nationalism.

Through document-based research various theories on nationalism will be investigated. Starting from Ernest Gellner, and moving towards recent theories, this dissertation seeks to establish a well-structured base to identify the types of nationalism in Europe. Although European nationalistic movements in Europe are ingrained in its history, considering ETA and IRA as prime examples, currently a collective European nationalism is being felt more. In the post-cold war setting, these movements have percieved that Europe, now,- has a new enemy in Islam. Through a deep analysis of two case studies set in France and Germany, the following chapters will evaluate national situations, the rise of parties such as the National Front and Alternative for Germany and how are they doing, and how these changes have affected traditional political parties and the European Union.

It was established that the rise of the Front National and Alternative for Germany was based on the fears of foreigners who do not share their cultural traditions and are a threat to their employability. The working class and the younger generation are increasingly identifying themselves with such right-wing parties who managed to play on their fear of the foreigner and spread hatred, xenophobia and anti-establishment feelings. With catch-phrased populist slogans, both parties have achieved troublesome results for both the nation states and for the EU, with an increase in Eurosceptic MEPs. Furthermore, the parties’ rise in popularity has forced traditional centred parties to shift their policies towards the EU, and to be stricter on migration and EU issues.

Europe has always suffered from challenges to its identity. This dissertation discusses in depth nationalism which is also a form of an identity crisis. In a time of globalisation and modernisation, EU citizens are seeking refuge in the pride of their nation.