The NaDeWe project examines the controversial roles of nationalism and democracy in the formation and transformation of welfare-state institutions and discourses, especially in the Nordic countries. Nationalism is constitutive of modern political forms of social life. It postulates the nations, however defined, as primary political units. It provides legitimisation for nation-states and the international system based on nation-states. Nationalism is also a crucial ingredient in the nation-states bearing the character of a welfare state. The evolving of the welfare state, in turn, has affected nationalism by reshaping national identities and the notions of nation-state citizenship and democracy, including social and economic rights as well as ideas and practices aimed to extend democracy in working life and other spheres of life in a national society.

National welfare states have been challenged through globalisation and European integration. Yet it is far from evident that this means a diminishing role for nationalism.

It is easy to recognise the nationalism appearing as protectionist, xenophobic or racist reactions against the global mobility of capital, jobs, information, ideas, and people. However, nationalism is also an inherent part of the globalised economy, appearing, not least, in concern for national competitiveness. In the emerging multi-level structure of global governance nation-states still play a particular role as mediators of popular legitimacy. Nationalism and democracy, intertwined or in conflict, is a crucial problem for a critical understanding of the relationships between globalisation and the welfare state in current politics. NaDeWe examines this problem from three thematic perspectives: language and knowledge; mobility and borders, and welfare and competitiveness.