Nationalism
Nationalism is based on the notion of people sharing a common heritage and identity - developed from bonds such as culture, religion and geography. In extreme forms, that a certain nation’s interests are superior to any other and domination is desired, “Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind,” Albert Einstein. It is the concept that nations should act independently, rather than collectively to accomplish their goals and is grounded on the idea that a nation has the right to constitute an independent political community due to shared history. It can also be the aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination. Nationalism seeks to guarantee the continued existence of a nation; to preserve its distinctive identity and provide a territory where the national culture and character are dominant. This idea, in extreme cases, regards a nation’s desire for self-domination.
It can also be seen as a political doctrine in which liberal values such as freedom, equality and individual rights have more significance, which can be seen in the French Revolution. France was divided by numerous regions and religions, prior to the French Revolution; the only thing that linked the nation together was the belief that everyone was supposed to serve the king. However, there appeared to be a sense of belonging among the French people as some of them began to see themselves as citizens who proudly serve their nation rather than subjects to serve the king. This sense of connection instigated nationalism.” My kind of loyalty was loyalty to one's country, not to its institutions or its office-holders,” Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, 1889. There are two types of nationalisms, ethnic and civic. Ethnic nationalism is based on the belonging to a social group that has a common nation or tradition whereas civic is based on a common belief and ideas. |
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