Scaling up, down, and across: pathways to a theory of national identity

Scholars of national identity and nationalism approach their subject matter largely from disciplinary perspectives and conduct research within the silos of social psychology, sociology, history, anthropology, political science, or international relations. Issues of forming identities are addressed at the interpersonal level where such processes as mimicry and matching come into play. The research reviewed in this chapter provides insights into how these processes operate. Issues of spread are treated at a macro level where such processes as public opinion, opinion cascades, and social networking come into play. A more complex example of multilevel interactions and shifting dynamics is the European Union (EU). These examples suggest pathways to theory that encompass vertical and simultaneous perspectives. A key is the bridging role played by group processes, such as how community cooperation links previous negotiation processes to durable societal peace. The chapter concludes with suggestions for further development of these ideas in concert with empirical research.