NATIONALISM

Definition

“Nationalism is a shared sense of identity based on important social distinctions…”

In other words, it is PRIDE IN YOUR NATION based on common “ethnicity, language, religion, culture, history, and geographic proximity.”

Main purpose of nationalism is political self-determination

Is this Nationalism?

Nationalism – an “imagined community”!

“Most citizens of a country will never actually meet one another, but the feeling of unity remains.”

Key Terms:

NATION – a group of people with shared social characteristic distinguishing members of the group from others.

STATE – a political unit (territory) that has sovereignty over a geographic area.

SOVEREIGNTY – ability of a state to exercise control over its territory without external interference.

The Origins of Nationalism and the State System

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) – recognition of sovereign secular political units

Ideas of the Enlightenment (18th century)

--Natural rights

--Popular Sovereignty

French Revolution and American Revolution

Negative Side of Nationalism

Nationalism can create a strong sense of superiority

Extreme Nationalism

Positive Side of Nationalism Drive for national self-determination

-- Decolonization (anti-colonization)

Positive Side of Nationalism

Sense of belonging and meaning

Decolonization = More Independent States

Anti-colonial nationalism resulted in the increased number of independent states

1789 – 23 countries

1900 – 57 countries

2009 – 194 countries*

*Recognized by the U.S. State Department

Globalization = Threat to Nationalism?

NOT SO FAST!!!

More Key Terms:

Nation-state (country) – a single nation within the boundaries of a single state

Multinational states – single states with multiple nations (tribes / ethnic groups, etc.)

Nations without a state – Kurds, Palestinians* Nations with no common state – North and

South Korea Failed states – countries with no effectively

functioning government (ex.Somalia)

Nations without States

Civic vs. Ethnic Nationalism

Civic: (Western)• Based on Citizenship• Nation-state united by

territoriality, citizenship, civil rights, and legal codes

• Equality before the law regardless of ethnicity, race, etc.

Ethnic:• Based on Ethnicity• Nation-state united by

elements unique to a group, such as common language, values, religion, myth, symbolism

• Dependent on blood ties, bonds to the land, and native traditions

Consider this:

“At least since World War II, every successful war of independence and revolution has been driven by nationalism. During the same period, every government in power has used nationalism to gain the support of its people.”

Snarr and Snarr, p.43

Religious Nationalism – a new interpretation?

The Muslims are like a body, if one part of the body hurts, the rest of the body will also suffer”

Faraz Amin, Sydney, Australia,18 years old, writing for Muslimvillage.com

Religious Nationalism in America

“I will never apologize for fearlessly defending the Judeo-Christian values on which this nation was founded.”

Jerry Falwell, Christian Fundamentalist minister(1933-2007)

Discussion Question #2:Future of Nationalism:

Nationalism and state sovereignty

vs.

Forces of Globalization