Original scientific paper

In a Modest Defense of Nation-State

David Miller ; Nuffield College, Oxford, United Kingdom

Abstract

Contrary to the prevalent criticism of modern nation-state, the author thinks that it is an institution ethically valid in itself. A nation-state is a political entity in which the boundaries of state and nation coincide. The national identity is a source of communitarian solidarity and trust, essential for the formation of the state. The author thinks that the state, as a means of national self-determination can relinquish many of its functions and delegate them to supranational bodies, under the condition that that it can regain them. Certain areas, such as social and cultural policy and certain aspects of economic policy, due to their importance for the preservation of the national identity should remain in the hands of the nation-state. In their foreign policy, states ought to respect several basic norms: renouoncing the use of force or other forms of pressure, honouring agreements, solidarity in adversity and reducing the unfair distribution of resources. The author deals with the problem of multinational states and concludes that the separate national groups in principle have a right to secession and the creation of their own state.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

111019

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/111019

Publication date:

1.6.1994.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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