The transformation of the nation-state in Europe at the dawn of the 21st century (Science and Technique of Democracy No. 22) (1999)

The seminar first examined the historical concept of the nation-state, highlighting the differences between national traditions in European states. The difficulties involved in establishing the nation-state model in central and eastern Europe, which recent dramatic events have placed in the spotlight, were underlined. Finally, a recurrent and ever-evolving question was examined : that of states in transformation, whether that transformation be centripetal, like European construction, or centrifugal.