The Politics of Nationhood

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. Conservatism and the Politics of Nationhood

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 1-21

3. Heath and Powell — Two National Strategies

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 22-47

4. Thatcherism and the Politics of Nationhood

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 48-65

5. European Integration

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 66-102

6. Territorial Politics

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 103-130

7. ‘Race’ and Immigration

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 131-153

8. Conclusions

   • Philip Lynch

   Pages 154-167

9. Back Matter

   Pages 168-201

   PDF

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.

• autonomy
• development
• Europe
• European integration
• government
• identity
• ideology
• immigration
• integration
• migration
• politics
• race
• state
• strategy
• Union
• British Politics

'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

• Department of Politics, University of Leicester, UK

  Philip Lynch

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

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