The Future of National Identity in the European Union

Abstract

Essentialists argue that national identity is an integral part of ‘self’, whereas constructivists perceive it as an intellectual artefact. Going back to at least the 18th century, constructivists’ theories have gained in popularity since the Second World War. The premise that national identities can be made and unmade has encouraged several scholars to speculate about the future of nationality in the ever closer union of the European Communities. Starting with a broad sketch of views on the rise and nature of national identity, this paper attempts to map out and examine some of the forecasts about future changes in feelings of national identity in the European Union.