Introduction and Theories

Question 1

What is the main argument about the role of nationalism in constructing modern societies?

Answer 1

Nationalism is a modern, constructed ideology that unifies populations under sovereign states and plays a key role in shaping identity, state structures and social hierarchies

Question 2

Which theories and theorists are used in this argument?

Answer 2

Theories include:

Modernism (Hobsbawm)

State and Nationalism (Weber)

Grounded Nationalism (Malesevic)

Question 3

What are the three key points of the essay’s main body?

Answer 3

1. Theoretical framing of nationalism as a modern construct
2. Example of Kosovo showing nationalism’s role in shaping identity and political struggle
3. Nationalism’s link to violence and social hierarchy