Challenging Hegemonic Narratives: Centering Marginalized Voices in the Study of Nationalism and Ethnicity

Historically, the study of nationalism and ethnicity has overlooked minority, indigenous, and subaltern perspectives, aligning instead with the worldviews and priorities of dominant nation-states, colonial powers, and ethnic majorities. This paper advocates for a transformative approach rooted in postcolonial, critical race, and feminist theoretical frameworks, emphasizing the perspectives and agency of marginalized groups. Drawing on Siniša Malešević's concept of ‘grounded nationalism,’ the presentation explores how nationalism is deeply integrated into contemporary life, manifesting in everyday domains such as sports, cultural practices, culinary traditions, and land identities. These manifestations illustrate nationalism's pervasive influence on societal symbols, rituals, and spatial arrangements, shaping both individual identities and collective consciousness.

By prioritizing marginalized voices, this presentation highlights how these communities conceive alternative notions of identity, belonging, and political mobilization, challenging dominant nationalist narratives. Through detailed case studies, it demonstrates how foregrounding marginalized perspectives offers profound insights into nationalism, ethnicity, and inter-group dynamics. Ultimately, this keynote argues for a reflexive, inclusive, and emancipatory approach to studying nationalism and ethnicity, positioning marginalized experiences as crucial frameworks for critically examining the socio-economic and political dynamics shaping contemporary global realities.