This is a thought-provoking exploration of national identity within the full scope of social, political and cultural activity in today's nation states. The essays each have a focus on a defining aspect of a European state and examine the factors that constitute the sense of identity with nation in these countries. Broader perspectives are provided by the framing introduction and the concluding chapter, both of which question the meaning and possible impact of national identity within the 'New Europe' that has come to be in the last decade.