This book examines the political and moral challenges that face the vast majority of human beings who consider themselves to be members of various nations. It explores nationality through the difficulties and conflicts that have arisen throughout history, and discusses nations and nationalism from social, philosophical, and anthropological perspectives.

In this fascinating Very Short Introduction, Steven Grosby looks at the nation in history, the territorial element in nationality, and the complex ways nationality has co-existed with religion, and shows how closely linked the concept of nationalism is with being human.

Table of Contents:
List of illustrations
1: The Problem
2: What is a Nation?
3: The Nation as a Social Relation
4: Motherland, Fatherland and Homeland
5: The Nation in History
6: Whose God is Mightier?
7: Human Divisiveness
8: Conclusion
References
Further Reading
Index

Author Information:
Steven Grosby, Professor of Religion, Clemson University, South Carolina