Can the principle of nationality be defended as a legitimate and ethical component of contemporary political theory? David Miller, a prominent political theorist, examines the tension between the pervasive influence of nationalism in global politics and the historical reluctance of philosophers to engage with it. He argues that national identity serves as a valid basis for personal identity and justifies special obligations to co-nationals, while simultaneously asserting that such claims do not necessitate the suppression of other identities like ethnicity or gender. Through a rigorous analytical framework, Miller challenges the assumption that national identities are inevitably dissolving in the modern era.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the liberal-nationalist perspective in political philosophy. Readers often note the clarity of Miller's prose, which makes complex normative arguments accessible to both students and established scholars in the field.