Nationalism and environmentalism: The case of Vauban

Abstract Although nationalism has been identified as the dominant ideology of modern era, and environmentalism is 21st century rising star, few studies address relationship between them. The consensus seems to be that they are hardly compatible, considering a boundary‐building phenomenon while advocates for safeguarding environment beyond national borders. Drawing on evidence from fieldwork in region Freiburg‐im‐Breisgau, near French‐German border, our study challenges this assumption. Not long ago was heavily militarised territory place historical friction France Germany, yet now it converted to, rebranded as, model successful, environmentally friendly region. Rather than wearing down nationalist sentiments, pride reinvigorated vestiges German have buried under thick layer environmental paint; time grounded not military power nation but its defence environment. Through case study, framed within lens theories, we argue potential adapt harmful heteronomous threats such environmentalism, leverage bond with them finally re‐emerge even stronger.