A World-Wise Case of Dutchness: Cosmopolitanism and National Identity in the Work of the 'Nits' Pop Band

As part of the debate in the Netherlands centring on national identity in the wake of the assassination of Pim Fortuyn (2002) and Theo van Gogh (2004), an attempt is made to tackle the topic of unworldly cosmopolitanism versus remerging nationalism. The focus is on the way the arty yet popular Dutch rock band ‘Nits’ (1974–present) dealt with these issues in their song lyrics, how Nits construct both their international and Dutch identity, and how their evolution in this respect mirrors or nuances current debates about the elite’s position vis-a-vis national character.