Global climate action in a fractured world: how to deal with the rise of warmongering nationalism?

In tandem with the expansion of capitalism, nationalism has remained the dominant ideology of the modern world since at least the French Revolution (1789). This presentation asks a key question: if nationalism is the dominant ideology around which contemporary politics turns, could it be possible to involve it in the fight against climate change?

Daniele Conversi explores the possibility of emerging forms of “green nationalism” largely related to “nations without a state” — where environmental concerns have been accompanied by climate action and mobilisations. On the other hand, there also have been a few “exemplary nation-states” where policies and practices of sustainability have pervaded political and social relations. The examples of these pathbreaking, trendsetting nation-states should, however, be placed against their main opponents, the more influential “top polluting nation-states“.

In conclusion, while riding the wave of nationalism may appear counter-productive and counter Intuitive, it also may make sense within a broader ideological framework defined as “survival cosmopolitanism”.

About the lecturer

Daniele Conversi is a political historian, social theorist, academic, and author. He is an Ikerbasque professor at the University of the Basque Country. Conversi is most known for his contributions to the fields of political and social history, particularly for improving contemporary understanding of historical events, movements, and societal changes, specialising in Spain and the north Mediterranean.

Best known for his comparative work on the cultural politics of nationalism and, more recently, for his research on nationalism and climate change. His books include Cambiamenti Climatici. Antropocene e Politica and The Basques, the Catalans and Spain:Alternative Routes to Nationalist Mobilization. Conversi is Editor of Nations and Nationalism and Chief Editor of the journal Frontiers in Political Science.