The Case for Nationalism

In this timely history, the editor of the National Review chronicles the history of nationalism and its intellectual roots, revealing how this political model—a refutation of globalism—became maligned and why it offers a viable way forward for America.

In The Case for Nationalism, Rich Lowry refutes critics of the phenomenon on left and the right. He sets out the argument for nationalism, including how it is necessary to democratic self-government. 

Lowry points out that nationalism is an American tradition, one that is common to such diverse leaders as Alexander Hamilton, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. According to Lowry, a true American nationalism should be grounded in our common citizenship, champion popular sovereignty, and exult in American history, culture, and ideals. It should be the enemy of identity politics.

Lowry reclaims the term “nationalism” from those who equate it with racism, militarism and fascism. Offering a sure-to-be-controversial viewpoint in the debate over the direction of our country, he explains that nationalism, far from inherently divisive or hateful, is how Americans become the best version of themselves.

He traces the development of an enlightened nationalism through Ancient Israel, which created the template for nationalism as we know it, and England, where the nation rose up against monarchical power. The American Revolution was the next step in the development of nationalism, which has been central to the American project ever since. It led to the expansion of the American nation’s territorial extent and its power, and eventually to our invaluable contribution to the creation of an international system of self-governing nations.

Lowry contends that we must resist a cosmopolitanism that would erase America’s distinctiveness and subsume it in multi-national institutions. Instead, we should preserve our national identity, put our national interest first, and embrace our role as the world’s greatest nation.