The Virtuous Citizen : Patriotism in a Multicultural Society

Tim Soutphommasane provides an original contribution to the political theory of citizenship and patriotism. Drawing on contemporary debates from across the world and over a range of issues including education and immigration, he argues that patriotism can be properly grounded in the liberal national tradition of a multicultural society.

What does it mean to be a citizen in a multicultural society? And what role must patriotism play in defining our relationship with our country and fellow citizens? In The Virtuous Citizen Tim Soutphommasane answers these questions with a critical defence of liberal nationalism. Considering a range of contemporary political debates from Europe, North America and Australia, over issues including multiculturalism, national history, civic education and immigration, Soutphommasane argues that a love of country should be valued alongside tolerance, mutual respect and public reasonableness as a civic virtue. A liberal form of patriotism, grounded in national identity, is, if anything, essential for political stability in a diverse society. This book is required reading not only for political theorists and philosophers but also for researchers and professionals in political science, sociology, history and public policy.