National Network for Equitable Library Service

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 on the left as he argues that there is an intellectual argument for nationalism, revealing how citizens have always had to come together nationally to survive. Lowry argues that nationalism is an American tradition, one that is shared by such diverse leaders as Alexander Hamilton, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Regan. A true American nationalism should be grounded in our common citizenship, champion popular sovereignty, and exult 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 and populism. Offering a sure-to-be-controversial viewpoint in the debate over the direction of our country, he explains that far from a road to disaster, nationalism is how Americans become the best version of themselves. It associates nationalism with the rise of fascism in Europe and considers any expression of it to be borderline dangerous. But if nationalism were tantamount to fascism, England and America-as Lowry explains, the countries that forged modern nationalism as we know it-would have succumbed to authoritarianism long ago. In fact, the idea that the nation belonged to the people rather than the crown led to the curtailment of monarchical power in England and its overthrow in America. According to Lowry, we must not accept globalism, for in doing so, we would sand off America's unique beliefs. Instead, we should embrace our national character, our greatness, and our mission as an example for the world to follow.