The Politics of Nationhood: Sovereignty, Britishness and Conservative Politics

by P. Lynch

Overview

For over a century the Conservative Party has been identified as the patriotic party defending the nation state and British identity. Thatcherism sought to rework the Conservative politics of nationhood in the light of changed circumstances, but the Thatcher and Major Governments faced significant problems managing the Union, European integration and a multicultural society. Philip Lynch examines the key developments and statecraft problems in the conservative politics of nationhood during the Thatcher and Major period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333656129
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	01/13/1999
Edition description:	1999
Pages:	201
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.99(h) x (d)

About the Author

Philip Lynch is Lecturer in Politics and Deputy-Director of the Center for European Politics and Institutions at the University of Leicester.

Table of Contents

Preface List of Abbreviations Introduction PART ONE: CONSERVATISM AND THE POLITICS OF NATIONHOOD Historical Perspectives The Conservative Nation The Conservative Party and the Politics of Nationhood Conclusions PART TWO: HEATH AND POWELL: TWO NATIONAL STRATEGIES The Changing Politics of Nationhood Heath's National Strategy Powell's Nationalist Strategy Conclusions PART THREE: THATCHERISM AND THE POLITICS OF NATIONHOOD Thatcherism and Thatcher Ideology, Ideas and Thatcherite Discourse Thatcherism: a Political Project A Coherent Project? Sceptical Views Conclusions PART FOUR: EUROPEAN INTEGRATION Conservative Policy and European Integration, 1979-97 Nationhood and Europe Sovereignty and Autonomy European Integration and Conservative Politics Conclusions PART FIVE: TERRITORIAL POLITICS Scotland Wales Northern Ireland The European Dimension Conclusions PART SIX: 'RACE' AND IMMIGRATION Conservatism, 'Race' and Nationhood Citizenship, Immigration and Asylum Race Relations and Public Policy The Politics of 'Race' and the Conservative Party Conclusions PART SEVEN: CONCLUSIONS The Conservative Politics of Nationhood after 1997 Rethinking the Conservative Nation Notes and References Select Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

'This is a timely and compelling study of the dominant beliefs of contemporary Conservatism and their historical roots.' - Professor Andrew Gamble, Department of Politics, University of Sheffield

'...an excellent and timely analysis of the importance of nationalism and national identity in Conservative Politics...a valuable addition to the literature on the contemporary Conservative Party.' - Professor Zig Layton-Henry, Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations, University of Warwick

'...a comprehensive and intelligent review of the main national issues to have confronted the Conservative Party since the 1950s.' - Ian St John, National Identities

'Philip Lynch's The Politics of Nationhood provides a highly intelligent historical framework for this debate.' - Stephen Coleman, Parliamentary Affairs

'This is a highly readable book which gives some insight into the roots of modern Conservatism.' - Laura McAllister, Parliamentary Affairs

'...timely and elegant survey.' - David Williams, Times Literary Supplement

From the Publisher