In "Singing the National Anthem" two of the most prominent theorists of the last decade come together to explore the past, present, and future of the nation-state in the era of globalization.

The catalyst for their immediate and lively dialogue - reflected in the title of the book - is the massive protests of millions of people in the spring of 2006 in the United States, calling for a revision of immigration laws. During these protests, the American national anthem was sung in its Spanish version, causing strong reactions and even intervention from then-President Bush.

Judith Butler and Gayatri Spivak address a wide range of social phenomena (immigration, xenophobia, racism, nationalism) that exacerbate the plight of stateless individuals in modern nation-states, as well as their peculiar exclusion from basic human rights.

A dialogue-invitation to reflection and action on the crucial issues of democracy, justice, and human existence.