In the existing literature on nationalism, little research has been done that offers insight in the formation and deformation of national identities. This thesis will aim to do just that. The...Show moreIn the existing literature on nationalism, little research has been done that offers insight in the formation and deformation of national identities. This thesis will aim to do just that. The reason being that in 2012 it was the fourth time since independence a Tuareg led rebellion broke out against the Malian state. This thesis argues that a thorough understanding is needed of what constructs and deconstructs national identity to prevent a fifth rebellion to occur in the future. This thesis will contribute to such an understanding by building upon a political theory called 'Politics of Partaking', developed by Patrick Chabal, one of the leading scholars in African History and Politics. To answer and illustrate how Chabal’s Politics of Partaking help understand national identity construction among the Tuareg, it will take the four rebellions as separate case studies. The findings will suggest that Chabal´s Politics of partaking can help understand how national identities are constructed by analyzing the relation between the Tuareg and the state.Show less