Francis Fukuyama - Identity - Contemporary Identity Politics and the Struggle for Recognition (Profile Books, 2019)

World-renowned political scientist Francis Fukuyama became famous with his book "The End Of History". In my quest for understanding nationalism and tribal responses to things happening in society, I have read a number of books on the topic, including this one. 

He starts with the ancient greeks, with Plato and Socrates, coining the term "megalothymia", the desire to be recognised as superior, usually used by the elite in predemocratice societies. The term 'isothymia' would be the desire to be recognised as being equal, which has been a noble goal for democratic societies, even if not yet achieved. But people want to have some pride and dignity. The American declaration of independence asserts that "all men are created equal", but the discussion remain about the qualifier "all men". Does that include women, slaves, workers, immigrants, ...

He gives a big picture of how people need identities, but can be part of different groups. He recommends that basic democratic rights and citizenship are based on a "creedal identity", next to a more cultural, ethnic and religious identity. This "creedal" identity is based on the core values of a liberal democracy in terms of pluralism, voting, justice, respect ... The danger is the upcoming nationalist movements in many countries, which may lead to autocracy, dictatorship and intolerance to minorities. It creates a conflict which makes the opposing parties even more strongly convinced of their own identity. He advocates for a new contract between citizens and the state, and this interestingly also includes the secularisation of education. 

Fukuyama is a sharp analyst, and despite his start with the ancient Greeks, his book is full of modern day examples, too many to mention, but relevant to sharpen our own thinking.