In this paper I argue that the nation-state has been fundamentally transformed by the impact of globalization, however, such transformations instead of signaling the nation-state's irrevocably demise have prompted its own reconfiguration. The paper examines how some of the main features of the classical nation-state are being altered under the influence of globalization processes. It also considers to what extent the main strategies traditionally employed by the nation-state to generate a single national identity among its citizens have been transformed under the impact of globalization

This article renegotiates the dilemma between modernist and primordialist views on nationalism by taking a long-term case: language and identity politics in the diglossic area between Liège and Maastricht. Linguistic assertiveness in this area (a nationalist flashpoint in 20th-century Belgium) can be traced back to the 15th century. While this long-term historical continuity indicates limits to modernist constructivism, it also illustrates the dangers of primordialism.

Het Vlaams-nationalisme tijdens het interbellum kan bestempeld worden als een echte rurale volksbeweging die zich weet te transformeren naargelang de socio-economische streek waarin wordt geopereerd. Hiermee bevestigt het VNV de recentste bevindingen over de sociologie van het Nazisme. In 1976 behoudt de VU dit populair karakter maar de sterkste electorale resultaten worden behaald in stedelijke gebieden. In 2000 haalt het Vlaams Blok de beste resultaten in deze gebieden terwijl de VU net in deze gebieden zijn grootste verliezen lijdt.