n the seminar titled “Nationalism: National or Social Identity?” held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Toronto, Dr. Hossein Raeesi, a lawyer and professor of human rights, examined nationalism in relation to its potential conflict or alignment with the human rights framework.
Referencing the theories of scholars such as Anthony Smith, Benedict Anderson, Ernest Gellner, and Eric Hobsbawm, he explained how nationalism—viewed as a cultural or social project—can clash with the universal principles of human rights, particularly when it prioritizes the interests of the “in-group.”
In his talk, Dr. Raeesi also emphasized the importance of multiculturalism, social inclusiveness, and fostering patriotism as tools for development and social justice. He warned of the dangers of extreme nationalism and called for a reconsideration of how we approach the concept of identity in today’s global society.
