Towards a Decolonial and Anti-Racist Analysis of the Nation-State and Nationalism

This paper addresses two calls emerging out of Sociological theory-against methodological nationalism and methodological whiteness-in relation to the study of nations, nation-states and nationalisms. Building on Meghji's synergy of decolonial and race critical theory, I propose a historicized and globalized analysis of nationalisms and the nation-state which can respond to these calls whilst also being attentive to the nation-state and nationalism as sites of violence. I insist upon the importance of understanding 'race' and coloniality as foundational aspects to the emergence and functioning of nationalisms and nation-states. I do so based on the empirical case of the nation-state Romania and Romanian nationalism, what I call a 'colonial gray zone'. I argue: (1) that modern colonialism and imperialism shaped the emergence of nation-states and that, as a result, coloniality shapes the functioning of nation-states and nationalisms; (2) that modern/colonial 'race' is central to the emergence and operation of nation-states and nationalisms. Ultimately, I urge those concerned with the study of nations, nation-states and nationalisms to shift their analytical tools towards coloniality and racism, and the scholarship and struggles against them.