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

ABSTRACT 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.