State and National Identity: Historical Analysis and Perspectives for the 21st Century.

Abstract

This research discusses the need to review the concept of “national identity” in a context of deepening structural changes and crisis of the Modern State model. Beginning with an analysis of the State constitutive elements and a historical perspective of de formation of national identity concept – conceived as representation of an imagined community – we present an evaluation of its use as a tool for State’s legitimacy. Thus, this work aims to determinate the current importance of national identities in contemporary State Theory.

Keywords

• Estado
• Legitimidade
• Identidade nacional