Description
Book SynopsisTim Soutphommasane provides an original contribution to the political theory of citizenship and patriotism. Drawing on contemporary debates from across the world and over a range of issues including education and immigration, he argues that patriotism can be properly grounded in the liberal national tradition of a multicultural society.
Trade Review'In this timely book, Tim Soutphommasane explains why the ideal liberal citizen is also a patriotic citizen. In so doing, he speaks directly to a deep desire for a philosophy that combines individual liberty with a sense of identity and belonging. His is an important argument that will shape debates in both academic political theory and real politics.' Marc Stears, University of Oxford
'This is a very well-written and accessibly presented book that deals with an important and challenging topic: the place of patriotism in contemporary society. The author argues that patriotism properly construed can provide the basis for common citizenship in a multicultural state. The study relies on a careful reading and analysis of the key contemporary works on liberalism, multiculturalism and nationalism, and is itself a significant contribution to this body of literature. It is a fine example of applying rigorous philosophy to the problems of the real world.' Kok-Chor Tan, University of Pennsylvania
'All too often nationalists and multiculturalists are at loggerheads. Tim Soutphommasane shows how dialogue between them is not only possible but highly productive for the making of good public policy.' Geoff Gallop, University of Sydney
'In this topical book, Tim Soutphommasane constructs a theory of patriotic citizenship that confronts the profound challenges that cultural diversity raises for ideas of citizenship and community. Placing the value of patriotic commitments at the centre of the idea of citizenship, [he] seeks to show how they are compatible with liberal and democratic commitments, working through the implications of this for our ideas of membership, deliberative democracy, education and immigration. Lucidly written and forcefully argued, illustrated with a wide range of contemporary examples, this is a rich contribution to current political theory. It is likely to be both controversial and a key point of reference for future thinking about multiculturalism and citizenship.' Matthew Festenstein, University of York
'Where the book stands out is in its nuanced treatment of liberalism, and it is this that accounts for its relevance to Britain.' The Guardian
Table of Contents1. Introduction; Part I. Membership: 2. Patriotism; 3. Multiculturalism; 4. Liberal nationalism as cultural nationalism; Part II. Virtue: 5. Liberal nationalist virtue; 6. Patriotic deliberation and social criticism; Part III. Institutions: 7. Civic education; 8. Immigration and integration; 9. Conclusion.
