Delve into new theoretical perspectives on nations and democracy with this groundbreaking analysis. Amanda Machin expertly unpacks the complex, often contradictory, role of the nation in contemporary political theory. Using insights from Wittgenstein and Lacan, the book reveals the nation as a potent site of political contestation and desire, essential for understanding inclusive politics and social belonging. It argues for a re-politicisation of the nation, highlighting its improvisational potential in democratic politics while cautioning against its enduring capacity for exclusion. This volume is a must-read for students, researchers, and scholars grappling with nationalism and democratic theory in an evolving global landscape.