Ask a Political Scientist: A Conversation with Nicholas Xenos about Critical Theory, Democratic Politics, and the Problems with Patriotism.

In this article, Nicholas Xenos, former editor of Polity, shares his experiences as editor and his efforts to broaden the journal's content and readership. He explores the concept of critical theory, tracing its origins to the Frankfurt School and its focus on analyzing the present and uncovering repressed possibilities. Xenos argues that critical theory is crucial for political science and political theory, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of social and political systems. He also critiques the terms "populism" and "illiberalism," suggesting that they often reflect a liberal democratic perspective and overlook the complexities of democratic action. Additionally, Xenos examines the concept of patriotism and its relationship to nationalism, questioning the idea of civic nationalism and exploring the differences between Western and Eastern forms of nationalism. He delves into the origins of patriotism in Roman and Greek literature and reflects on his personal experiences and family history in relation to patriotism. The author emphasizes the significance of understanding the historical context of political concepts and challenges the tendency to detach political discourse from its historical foundations. [Extracted from the article]