The "in defense of national identity" argument: comparing the UK and Hungarian referendums of 2016

Butler, E. (2017) The "in defense of national identity" argument: comparing the UK and Hungarian referendums of 2016. Europe Now, 2017(4), 01 Feb.

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Publisher's URL: http://www.europenowjournal.org/2017/01/31/the-defence-of-national-identity-comparing-the-uk-and-hungarian-referendums-of-2016/

Abstract

National identity and its cultural, ethnic, and constitutional components are now regularly used to justify and shape policy and political decision-making. For some, this is an acceptable development, evidenced by the increased use in political rhetoric of the “in defense of national identity” argument. For others, it represents a return to the xenophobia and ethno-nationalism that underpinned the horrors of twentieth century Europe, and in doing so further reinforces what they see as an “illiberal turn” driven by the growth of right-wing populism. As such, we are witnessing the emergence of a deep illiberal-liberal cleavage in politics, which in the context of Europe has the potential to create significant challenges for the direction of European integration. This essay presents a brief interpretation of why this is the case.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Hungary, UK, Brexit, illiberalism, referendum.
Status:Published
Refereed:No
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Butler McIntosh, Professor Eamonn
Authors: Butler, E.
Subjects:J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General)
J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe)
J Political Science > JZ International relations
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
Research Group:Assessing Accession
Journal Name:Europe Now
Publisher:Council for European Studies
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Author
Publisher Policy:Reproduced with the permission of the Author

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