Location of theory - and particularism / universalism

Wallerstein, with Peter D. Phillips, concludes this rather odd half-baked, demi-teinte paper on “National and World Identities and the Interstate System”, on the irresolution of the “tension, ambiguity” between the opposite pulls of nationalism and internationalism (or regionalism, proffered here as one of its variants, which it might well not be). And a confession of powerlessness in theoretical effort.

But: one interesting note, p. 156, on the location of theory and outlook, which makes sense:

“Historically, it would appear that nationalism as an ideology and the general emphasis on regional or cultural claims [also termed “particularity”] have received sustenance particularly from the successive waves of struggle taking place in the semiperipheral areas of world-economy. Correspondingly, the claims of universality have been the strongest among the dominant bourgeoisies located in the core states.”

With reference to Tom Nairn in NLR, 1975, “The Modern Janus”. A voir.