| Ancient vs. Modern |
Nations have pre-modern roots (Smith) |
Nations are modern constructs (Anderson, Gellner) |
Modern form, historical materials |
Strong evidence for modernity |
Consensus on constructivist approach |
| Accommodation vs. Integration |
Manage differences (Lijphart) |
Transcend differences (Horowitz) |
Context-dependent combination (McGarry et al.) |
Mixed evidence for both |
Movement toward hybrid approaches |
| Elite vs. Mass Driven |
Elite manipulation (Brass, Gagnon) |
Mass grievances/identities |
Interactive, multilevel processes (Wimmer) |
Evidence for both mechanisms |
Recognition of complexity |
| Structure vs. Agency |
Structural determinism |
Strategic choice |
Structured agency, configurational causation |
Interactive effects demonstrated |
Theoretical integration ongoing |
| Primordial vs. Instrumental |
Deep attachments (Connor) |
Strategic calculation |
Authentic but constructed identities |
Both dimensions matter |
Post-paradigmatic understanding |