Nationalism

Transcription

1 Nationalism

2 The nation The nation is the central principle of political organisation. The basis for identity can be broad and made up of c combination of a variety of factors such as language, history, ethnicity etc There can be conflicting views on what constitutes the basis for national identity. Primordial nationalists argue on basis common descent, common cultural bonds. However, civic nationalists accepting of diverse ethnic backgrounds argue on basis of civic consciousness- th willingness to share common values e.g. liberal democratic values- here a line is drawn separating the private sphere from the public. Nationalism is voluntarist.

3 Organic community Humankind is divided into a collection of nations, each possessing a distinctive character and separate identity. National loyalties and ties are found in all societies and endure over time. Primordialists argue that nations are rooted in shared culture, historical past. Anthony Smith in 1986 argued that there was continuity between modern nations and pre modern ethnic communities. Situationalist theorists argue that nation identity is response to changing situations and historical circumstances, seeing a link between the emergence of the modern nation state and urbanisation/industrialisation. Even so, the situationalist Gellner argues that national community is deeprooted

4 Self determination The notion of popular sovereignty as expressed in the general will was espoused by Rousseau- the founder of modern nationalism. The form of nationalism which emerged from the French Revolution was based on the assertion that the French people possessed with inalienable rights rather than being merely the subjects of the crown. It was based on a vision of a people or nation governing itself- the nation was not merely a natural or organic community but a natural political community. The goal of nationalism is the formation of the Nation State For nationalists, the great strength of the nation-state is that it offers the prospect of cultural cohesion and political unity. Nationalism legitimises the authority of government because it represents the idea of popular self government as it is carried out by and for the people. Nationalists may not always aspire to independence- some may have more limited objectives such as greater autonomy within a nations state.

5 Identity politics All forms of nationalism address the issue of identity. Nationalism informs people of who they are, forging social bonds and a collective spirit. It may take a variety of forms- for example cultural nationalism based on the romantic belief in the nation as a unique historical and organic whole drawing on popular rituals, traditions and legends. The importance of distinctive national consciousness was first emphasised in Germany by Herder and Fichte C18 and C19. Herder ( ) believed each nation possessed a volksgeist or national spirit which provided the people with its creative impulse. Another form of identity politics which sometimes overlaps with cultural nationalism is ethnic nationalism. However, a sa form of nationalism it has an exclusive character.

6 Liberal Nationalism Shaped by JJ Rouseau s ideas on popular sovereignty. It is aspirational. Application of liberal ideas in defence of individual freedom and equality to the equal right of all nations to be recognised as nation states. It stands for self government and therefore opposes foreign rule and repression.. JS Mill the boundaries of government should coincide in the main with those of nationality. Liberals believe that international peace depends on the construction of independent sovereign nation states.. Liberal nationalism is rational and tolerant. At heart liberal nationalists are internationalist believing in transnational or global cooperation.

7 Conservative Nationalism Originally suspicious of nationalism as a threat to the status quo, conservatives came to embrace nationalism as a way of preserving social order.. Tendency to develop in established nation states. It links in with conservative notions of organicism- nations evolve naturally from the desire of humans to live with those with whom share same views, traditions, culture, history and appearance.. Essentially nostalgic and backward looking. It is prominent especially when there is a sense that the nation is threatened or that a cohesive identity is being lost. Conservatives fear immigration as a threat to social cohesion and are concerned at loss of sovereignty to supra national institutions.

8 Expansionist Nationalism Populist and linked to imperial expansion later C19. a form of jingoism- a mood of nationalist enthusiasm and public celebration provoked by military conquest and rivalry e.g. Europe on eve WW1.. It denies equality of nations- It believes that some nations are culturally superior and therefore have a duty to bring benefits of civilisation to less developed parts. It is chauvinistic- belief in cultural superiority- forms include Pan Slavism the goal of which was Slavic unity among the peoples of south eastern Europe under Russian leadership late C19 and C20. German nationalism has roots in cultural superiority- volkisch nationalism. German chauvinistic nationalism reaches it fruition in the racialist volkist beliefs of National Socialism and Lebensraum policy 1930s/40s. Chauvinist Nationalism is emotional rather than rational. All individual identity is submerges in interests of the nation- such extreme form of nationalism was termed by Charles Maurras as Integral Nationalism. Such intense national feeling often springs from negative integration- the portrayal of another nation or race as the enemy- a them and us view of the world.

9 Anti Colonial and post Colonial Nationalism Influenced by the western nationalist views of the governing European powers- leaders of nationalist movements Africa and Asia heavily influenced by the ideas of liberal nationalism.. Clearly aware their economic backwardness in comparison with western powers, most sought economic as well as political liberation and were attracted to socialism.. Socialism embodies the ideals of community and cooperation which were established in traditional pre industrial society. It also provided an analysis of inequality and exploitation through which the colonial experience could be understood and challenged. Socialism in some post colonial societies became an appeal to a unifying national interest. African socialism embraced in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Angola was based not on soviet style state socialism but traditional communitarian values and the desire to subordinate tribal rivalry to the need for economic progress.

10 Liberal Internationalism Liberals fear an international state of nature. Or a state of international anarchy by which the stronger nations could dominate. Internationalism promotes mutual cooperation and understanding. This explains liberal commitment to free trade. The Manchester liberals richard Cobden and john bright free trade would lead to interdependence by encouraging nations to specialise and would promote mutual understanding. Liberals accept the importance of supra national organisations such as the league of Nations and United Nations in creating an international order in which the absolute sovereignty of nation states is qualified to ensure the preservation of the national independence of all.. All human beings are of equal moral worth and that human rights are universal hence the UN Declaration of Human rights 1948 and the European Convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms Liberals also believe in international law enforceable by institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

11 Socialist Internationalism Socialists reject nationalism as artificial and as denying that the true identity of people is based on social class. Nationalism has been used by elites to beguile the exploited by an appeal to a false sense of community with their exploiters. Socialism is, however, intrinsically international. There is a belief in an international class struggle. Workers share common experience of exploitative relationships with workers in different countries. Socialist Internationalism is based on the idea that humankind is bound together by mutual sympathy and compassion. Socialist Internationalism can be a basis for international cooperation between nations or the dissolution of the nation and the recognition of one world and one people.

12 Threats to nationalism Economic and cultural globalisation- so called McDonaldisation of the world has undermined nation states. However, the mergence of ethnically based and aggressive forms of nationalism in former USSR, Balkans and Africa- ethno cultural nationalism. Centrifugal Nationalism in established nation states with rise of political parties and movements seeking recognition as nations either via greater autonomy within the nation states or independence. As a reaction increasing movement and fluidity of society nations may reinvent themselves in order to establish a collective identity as a cohesive and unifying force to promote stability- Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.