The Erosion of the Nation State and National Culture

In this interview from De Nieuwe Wereld, Professor Paul Cliteur and Andrea Speyerbach examine the tension between the sovereign nation-state and the modern expansion of universal human rights. Cliteur argues that the traditional Democratic Constitutional State is being undermined by a shift toward globalism, where judicial power often overrides democratic legislation. They discuss the concept of "cultural defense," exploring whether indigenous or rooted populations can use legal frameworks to protect their specific cultural heritage from demographic and ideological shifts. The conversation also addresses the erosion of free speech and academic freedom, noting how modern taboos surrounding ethnicity and national identity stifle open intellectual inquiry. Ultimately, Cliteur defends the nation-state as a vital organizational model that requires shared values and a common culture to remain functional and cohesive.