The current rise of nationalism and identity politics has driven a
heated and contentious debate in both Europe and America over what it means to
be a citizen of a country or a part of a larger community of nations (as is the
case of individuals in Europe). Francis Fukuyama’s Identity attempts
to parse through the rise of identity politics in democracies and discusses what the
effects of this current realm of politics is having on the democracy and on
self-value.
Fukuyama spends a fair bit of time tying in psychological and
personal connections to the landscape by weaving politics with personal dignity
and value, arguing that the current state of political affairs is driven by
grievances that are herded in smaller and smaller tents than by greater
socioeconomic issues. He ties into historical context by sharing the ebb and
flow of nationalism through the centuries and how the definition of identity of
one’s self has largely remained centered around language, culture, and shared
values (and in history’s darker episodes, used for evil and not good). He props
up the idea that increasing fragmentation, political polarization, and social
media have driven a large chunk of today’s political landscape and that
sensible reforms are needed from political leadership. More important, the
courage to make those reforms is necessary given what the author argues that vetocracy
(lobbyists and special interest groups) has prevented many needed reforms from
taking place, specifically in America.
For 183 pages, Identity provides an effective short-form
read into Fukuyama’s thoughts on nationalism and the political landscape in the
West. It is a bit simplistic in some respects, such as painting this debate in
a mostly left-right context when some of the issues about immigration and
economics find similar strains in both left and right politics. But it is
effective in shaping the argument that reforms and political courage are needed
to address the problems facing the West before things get more heated and
arguably worse.
MY RATING - 4
