Nationalism Flashcards
(54 cards)
Define nationalism
The political belief that humankind can be divided into distinct nations and that the nation is the centre of all political organisation therefore, it is more important than any other social group or body
Features of nationalism
- The basic belief of nationalism is that the naton is, or should be, the central unit of political organisation
- It is widely associated with the principle of self determination
- It is based on the assumption that humankind can be divided into distinct nations
Characteristics of politcal/civic nationalism
- Inclusive
- Universalist
- Equal nations
- Rational/principled
- Natural sovereignty
- Voluntarisic
- Based on citizenship
- Civic Loyalts
- Cultural Diversity
- Progressive
Characteristics of cultural forms of nationalism
- Exclusive
- Particularist
- Emotional/Irrational
- Volkism
- Ethnic allegiance
- Cultural unity
- Reactionary
What are the implications of the political forms of nationalism
- It implies that al nations are equal in the sense that they have an equal right to exist
- Nationalism seeks to unite a people who have similar political interests
- Nations can be multi-cultural
- The role of the state is to articulate the political will of the nation
- It implies the national interests are more important than the individual’s therefore it is collectivist
Implicatons of the ethno-cultural view of nationalism
- Unique nations can lead some to develop a sense of cultural superiority(chauvanism)
- Can lead to conflict(difference politics)
- Can be a breeding ground for xenephobia and racism
- It implies that the national interests are more important than the individual’s therefore t s colletivist
- The role of the state is to protect and strengthen cultural heritage and sense of national identity
Define Nation
A nation is a body of people who possess some sense of a single common identity, with a shared historical tradition, with major elements of common culture(language and religion) and with a substantial proportion of them inhabiting an identifiable geographical area
How can nations be defined objectively
- Single common ancestor
- Common heritage/history
- Common culture
- Ethnic/racial diversity
- Religion
- Language
How can nations be defined subjectively
- Patriotism
- Civic loyalty
- Voluntaristic
Define patriotism
Patriotism us a sentiment and a psychological attatchment to one’s nation, it is literally ‘a love of one’s country’
Political definition of nation
The nation is a ‘psycho-cultural’ entity; the nation is defined by its members, a group of people who regard themselves as a natural political community and are disguised by shared loyalty or affection in the form of patriotism
Characteristics of a nation
- Nationality
- Cultural
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Patriotism
- National sovereignty
- Can be trans-national
- Can be inclusive
Characteristics of the state
- Citizenship
- Political
- Rational
- Civic duty
- Political sovereignty
- Control over a defined territory
Why are the terms nation and race confused
- Nationalists believe that the state arises out of the nation, due to a people’s desire for political and economic organisation
- As a result, the concepts of citizenship and natonality are often taken to mean the same thing. Political and national sovereignty are often considered to be the same thing
Why do nationalists belive the state is a political ideal
- The state arises out of a nation(they are organc structures)- the state arises out of a need for national security, social and political organisation
- The state promises stability- Political and cultural identity overlap and can be stregnthened. This can reduce conflict and strengthen law and order
- The state can best articulate the political interests of the people
- Statehood is very important to some people who see themselves as distinct natons with no ability to pursue their national interest- statehood promises national independence/freedom
Why might some nationalists be concerened with saying the nation state is a political ideal
- Statehood creates barriers between nations
- Divisions can create conflict/ chauvanism
- The power of the state could be used as a tool for reinforcing dominant culture
- Nations who are denied statehood and therefore self-determination may become revolutionary
Define Race
Race refers to biological or genetic characteristics shared by a group of people
Define racialism
The belief that humankind can be dvided into biologically distinct races, and that these racial differences are significant in culture politics
Nation vs Race
Cultural vs Biological
Changeable vs Unchangeable
Can be inclusve vs Exclusive
Nationalism vs Racialism
Humankind is divided into nations vs humankind is divided into races
The state is the central principle of social organisation vs principles about social organisation are determined by race
Why are nation and race often confused
- Many nations cosider themselves to be a race because many share physiological commonalities
- Some ethno-cultural nationalists argue that nations derive frome race
- Right-wing nationalists believe that race, nationhood and culture are intrinsically linked
- Racists have suggested that races can be arranged in a heirachy from superior to inferior
Why are nationalism and racialism confused
- Racialists believe that there are fundamental biological differences amongst the people of the world
- Racialists believe that these genetic differences lead to cultural, intelectual and moral differences. Therefore, racial difference is politically significant
- Racialist views are expressed best in the idea of volkism
- Racialists have suggested that races can be arranged in a heirachy, from superior to inferior
Define volkism
A german word which suggests that nationhood arises where ‘a people is bound together by a racial identity, culture, language, religion, mythology and a historical attachment to land
Features of volkism
- A nations culture is an extension of its race
- National identity becomes synonymous with racial identity; they mean the same thing
- Culture is an extension of race, superior races will develop superior cultures
- Patriotism derives from racial allegiance
- There is national spirit which derives from race and culture embodied by the nation