Nationalism & cultural formations : a critical examination of Latvia in the context of European trans-nationalism

This thesis examines cultural constructions of national identity in the context of Latvia’s tumultuous history and uncertain future. Precarity is endemic to Latvian politics and provides a lens through which to examine the relationship between nationalism and trans-nationalism as one born of a genuine belief in the emancipatory possibilities that emerge when they are not viewed as dichotomous opposites. Latvia is a site that will undoubtedly be revisited with growing nationalist tensions in Europe and questions arising surrounding the viability of the European trans-national project.