Everyday Nation in Times of Rising Nationalism

Abstract

What is everyday nation and why does it matter in times of heightened nationalism? This article offers a brief commentary around these questions. It takes as a context the rise in nationalism associated with the surge in populist politics – a rise which risks being exacerbated by the present COVID-19 pandemic. After reviewing the origins of what can be loosely labelled as ‘everyday nation’ scholarship, the article makes the case for the importance of such an analytical approach to unpack the simplistic rhetoric which conflates nation with one ethno-culturally homogenous people. The argument advanced is that everyday nation allows for a plurality of people and understandings of nation to emerge. As much as this focus is essential in times when nationalism pretends to speak for one people, a fuller understanding of nation can only be realised, though, through an integrated theory which bridges its micro and macro dimensions.