Book Review: “Nationalism” by Keith Woods

Ireland’s champion is back and better than ever

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I may not be capable of authoring the most objective review of Keith’s new book, “Nationalism: The Politics of Identity”, as I’ve grown to know him quite well over the last four years and consider him a good friend (as well as a fair and honest man). Regardless of my affinity towards him, it is nevertheless true that Keith has outdone himself again with the publication of his first book.

Whereas many others have buckled (if not outright broken) due to the crippling online censorship regime - one which only recently claimed Keith’s highly successful and influential YouTube channel - Mr. Woods has transformed this persecution into an opportunity by pivoting away from video essays and towards a more traditional method: the written word.

Hosted on his Substack, Keith’s writings have been at least as impactful as his short form video essays were, if not more-so. They do not lack for diversity, either, as the selection of topics range from current events, demographics, history, philosophy, sociology, and political science. As was true of his video essays, Keith’s writings leave no stone unturned. Through his writings, Keith has demonstrated another talent of his (one which, sadly, is in short supply among public intellectuals, commentators, and writers): a willingness to re-examine his own positions. Consider his essays, “Where Do the Children Play?” (which also appears in his new book) and “Secularism is Here to Stay” which explore both sides of the Western demographic crisis. Well-researched and competently argued, Keith displays his penchant for objective analysis once more.

It is with the publication of his first book, however, that Keith has accomplished something truly original. What the Right has lacked has been a truly committed intellectual defense of its political orientation, i.e., nationalism, identitarianism, and Keith’s new book goes a long way towards plugging the holes of theoretical inadequacy. In his review of my book “American Extremist”, Andrew Joyce lamented the absence of written works by the new nationalist Right, and while that still remains a major problem, in his characteristic way Keith has put his stamp on several of the most enduring topics relevant to the nationalist cause. I don’t believe there is a more comprehensive effort to rationally account for our political worldview than “Nationalism: The Politics of Identity”. Certainly there hasn’t been one which represents the new generation of identitarian nationalists.

Moreover, his sober-minded approach allows Keith to deconstruct the more fantastical strains of thought in contemporary Rightism. Keith debunks radical Rightist fantasies (i.e., civil war) as well as the more mainstream delusions (i.e., colorblind meritocracy). In this work, he also critiques well-known figures like Steve Sailer. Whether tackling grand conceptual matters (i.e., liberalism, mass democracy, the historicity of nationalism, etc.) or issues of a more parochial nature (i.e., the ongoing political crisis in Ireland), Keith displays a competency and an enthusiasm in his writing that is largely unmatched by other writers in the Rightist milieu.

A wide-ranging and provocative collection of writings, Keith Woods proves that his grasp exceeds his reach. Woods brings a fair-minded and objective approach to each topic, treating them with a care and precision rarely observed among esteemed, professional academics. This work is more than just a boon to the nationalist cause, for it is also a serious-minded creed worthy of inclusion in the Western canon. While indispensable for readers of all ages, this book should be of particular interest to the young, who are undoubtedly growing up in the most confused and chaotic of times.

It has been a real pleasure to watch Keith rise through the ranks and, undoubtedly, this book will only further his ascent. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “Nationalism: The Politics of Identity” today.