Main body - Conflict and Social Hierarchy

Question 1

What does Social Dominance theory say about nationalism?

Answer 1

Nationalism helps maintain social hierarchies through institutional discrimination, cultural myths and asymmetrical power relations.

Question 2

How is nationalism linked to violence?

Answer 2

Nationalism enforces artificial borders and exclusions, leading to both symbolic (epistemic) and physical (material) violence, as seen in border conflicts like Kosovo

Question 3

What role do states play in reinforcing nationalist borders

Answer 3

States and IGOs create and maintain borders, often violently, to assert control and enforce nationalist ideologies.