[lbo-talk] Definition of nation (was as if on cue)

[Wojtek S]

Somebody: "I think it's easy to dismiss the historical significance of the
European Union. From a world historical standpoint, despite the problems of
monetary union and continued albeit much attenuated national rivalries, it's
already a success. A nationalism that expresses itself by sending far-right
representatives to the European Parliament isn't much of a nationalism at
all."

[WS:]  This is an accurate assessment.  I disagree with Marv that EU was
mainly a top-down creation - the project received tremendous popular support
from certain segments of the population - at least on the continent.

 British insularity may me a different thing, though.  The only ones who
opposed it were nationalists.  There is plenty of them, to be sure, but they
are a minority.

Just to illustrate that - not long ago I was passing through a podunk in
Poland and I noticed a newly erected monument to the EU.  Anyone who knows
Polish country side - infested with crosses and religious-nationalist
symbols - would appreciate the significance of this popular gesture.

Wojtek