Nationalism: Review
A review of Keith Woods' recent book
Written by Flynn Holman, find more of his content on 𝕏 @Flynn_Holman_
Keith Woods’ aptly titled Nationalism: The Politics of Identity is a compelling anthology which succeeds on its promise, forming a robust defence of modern nationalism. Through a series of fifteen well curated essays and nearly 300 references, Woods introduces his readers to nationalism through his own experience, guiding them through historical, philosophical and moral arguments for nationalist thought. He elegantly dismantles nationalist critics from both the left and right, and in so doing, builds a work that is essential reading for both the prospective nationalist and the nationalist stalwart alike.
“Nationalism will endure because it is moral, because it is natural and because it is necessary.”
This end to the first essay, The Endurance of Nationalism, sets the tone for the work and provides the three key metrics Woods uses as a foundation for his subsequent essays: nationalism’s morality, naturality and necessity. That these themes remain ever-present despite the nature of a collection of essays, is a credit to the coherence of Woods’ worldview and makes this anthology one which should be read from cover to cover. The structure of the work imitates the journey of a nationalist thinker, opening with a discussion of nationalism and the nationalist worldview, delving through history and finishing with modern politics. By proposing leading questions about the death of liberalism, society’s size and race politics, Woods diagnoses the ills of modern society. He then guides the reader through the historical naturality of nationalist thought using case studies from the Roman Empire, Germany and Ireland, bringing these threads together to conclude with a critical look at the modern political landscape.
The breadth of this work is both a strength and a weakness. Whilst Woods covers significant ground through his essays, and there is no doubt there is an essay of interest to all, at times the depth of argument can feel lacking. That is assuredly a consequence of the format, a collection of meticulously detailed essays, something I’ve no doubt Woods could pen, would be significantly less accessible than this work. For those wishing to delve deeper, the references provided by Woods are an excellent starting point. In sacrificing some detail, the breadth of the work does bring with it some of the most interesting moments. I particularly enjoyed the small essay on the re-wilding movement, Make Europe Wild Again, which leans into eco-nationalism. The essay offers a compelling repudiation of our current technocratic governments, in favour of a regime where preservation of native land is an extension of the protection of native people, an argument oft overlooked by contemporary nationalist commentators.
Despite what the media may claim, it would be difficult to define Woods’ ideology as extreme. The essays which make up this book describe a man passionately patriotic about the survival of the western world, and every claim is backed by comprehensive evidence. Here lies the biggest strength of this book, Woods approaches important ideological topics in a way which requires no prerequisites of the reader. Whether he is dismantling Thatcherite conservatism or discussing the necessity of ethnonationalism, at no point does this work feel inaccessible. Each essay could be understood by both the nationalist novice and intellectual and presents an approachable and comprehensive ideology of national pride and preservation. The book is even complete with a frequently asked questions section about race you could give to your grandma!
Nationalism: The Politics of Identity is an excellent debut book by Keith Woods, and a great introduction to the origins of modern nationalist movements. By reflecting on the three key themes of morality, necessity and naturality, Woods builds a persuasive case for a nationalist third way, one which rejects the small government economics of the modern right and the social liberalism the left clings to, in favour of the unifying characteristics of culture, faith and heritage. Woods leaves us in no doubt about his passion and patriotism, and I challenge any reader to finish this book without a deeper appreciation for their own country, its culture and its people.