The Left(s) and Nationalism(s) in contemporary Western Europe

This article introduces our themed section on The Left(s) and Nationalism(s), which provides a comparative analysis of the relationship between nationalism different left-wing parties in Western Europe. It highlights innovative perspectives offered by this section, not only concerns series geographical cases studies but also involves ideological plurality Left. larger research question that contributors address is how have dealt with inherent tension universality claimed Left particularism nationalism, as doctrine principle political legitimacy. stresses three main contributions section: (1) European do engage themes nationhood, they often rely convenient silence to solve some contradictions their progressive ideology. (2) None these formulated thick versions respective national identities. (3) State-wide used instrumental conceptions nationhood challenge separatist parties, mixed results.