Civilization #58: Birth of the Nation-State

Professor Jiang delivers a lecture on the nation-state, exploring its origins and evolution through religious, economic, and socio-cultural lenses. The lecture traces the concept from the Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment to the Industrial Revolution, urbanization, and the rise of nationalism. It contrasts French and German nationalism, examines the impact of social Darwinism and eugenics, and discusses the shift from mercantilism to global free trade, concluding with reflections on identity politics and the potential resurgence of nationalism in the modern era. The lecture sets the stage for upcoming discussions on the Soviet Union and the American Empire.