Nationalism Flashcards
19th century nationalism
nationalism
based on cultural surroundings, increasing independence (belguim 1831, greece 1829)
20th century nationalism
french revolution, unification in italy, 1919 treaty of versailles, conservative nationalism grew (hitler)
21st century nationalism
nazism, fascism, re-emergence of nativism (make america great again)
Self Determination
Nations which aspire to self government should be granted sovereignty
States should respect the sovereignty of each nation
Started with Jeans-Jacques Rousseau as a reaction to absolutists monarchy
At the time, many countries were colonies of empires so didn’t have it
Became more important in the 19th century as more empires were dismantled
Nation State
A group of people who have a collective identity in a geographical area with clear boundaries which becomes a political entity
Liberal nationalists
world of nation states
Chauvinistic nationalists
some nations are stronger and are the only one who should benefit - other nations should accept their position as colonies
Multinational states
have more than 1 nation within them
Not all have a single national identity - their unity is based on political views (british/english/scottish/irish)
Some nations exist within another nation state and only want respect for their culture (wales)
Self determination v. colonialism
becoming an empire has been the aim of monarchs and countries throughout history
Civil nationalism
a form of nationalism based on a shared vision of an individual’s duty to observe given laws and in turn receive legal privileges
Johann gottfried von herder said that each nation has its own volksgeist - the spirit of the nation, a unique identity based on unique experiences, history and culture
Expansionist nationalist
the idea that one nation’s volksgeist can be superior to that of other nations, therefore justifying imperialism and domination
Herder rejected this idea, writing that ‘notwithstanding the varieties of the human form, there is but one and the same species of man throughout earth’
takes time to develop because someone may know the language and be a citizen by it may take years of absorbing the culture to be genuine
people want to protect a nation’s unique culture, without necessarily focussing on specific ambitions for statehood, for example wales want welsh to be recognised as a language but aren’t as bothered by independence as scotland
It links to patriotism as it may result in a willingness to make sacrifices to promote the country’s best interests
Racialism
The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race
Ideas are rooted in the belief that humanity is not one single human race, but can be meaningfully divided into separate races
The differences between races are biological and fixed
The different traits make certain races good/bad at things which creates a hierarchy
Then racial segregation is used to prevent ‘pollution’
Internationalism
people of the world should unite and connect across boundaries
Liberal internationalism
the idea that sovereign nations should cooperate and create a level of independence to avoid international conflict
Aim for a world of independent nation states
Assume that independent nations will seek to cooperate with each other as and when they need to - economically, educationally and culturally
Socialist internationalism
(Class solidarity?)
class solidarity is more powerful and politically significant than national identity, incompatible with nationalism
Marx (nationalism/patriotism
believed nationalism and patriotism were ways of keeping social class, it creates ‘false consciousness’
Lenin (capitalism)
believed capitalism survived because the indigenous workers had been ‘brought off’ with increased wages and better conditions as the ‘home community’ exploited the colonies it took
Human Nature (civic nationalism)
a rational form of nationalism, as it is based on citizen actively participating in society as equals
It’s rational, inclusive and progressive
It promotes mutual respect for rights and national identities, believing that sovereign nations should cooperate to create interdependence and avoid conflict
Human Nature (expansionist nationalism)
More of an emotional, irrational approach to nationalism, with a focus on volksgeist
It takes time to be part of a nation
Expansionist, chauvinistic forms of nationalism are the most irrational
The State
All nationalists recognise the role of the state in the sense of a nation state
Liberal and anti/postcolonial state
see the nation state as the only legitimate unit of government, advancing freedom from impressionistic domination
Liberal internationalist state
seek a world of independent nation states, as this offers the prospect of peace and order if regulated by supranational law and states
Expansionist state
reject nation statehood for all, believing it’s only for a privileged few nations that are sufficiently developed
Society (civil nationalism)
based on a commitment to a shared vision of society based on civil loyalty where society requires people’s active participation
This represents an inclusive version of society, not based on shared experience
associated with a progressing society, where society is constantly changing/improving
Society (culturalism)
based on people sharing cultural values in society
Society (chauvinism and racialism)
extreme, where society seeks a divide into ‘us’ and ‘them’, which is seen as regressive
The economy
A nation state can be defined as a group of people who control their economy
Liberal nationalist state
assume that independent nation states want to cooperate economically, leading to peace
Socialist internationalist state
argued that nationalism is based on economic exploitation of weak economies by strong capitalist ones
Chauvinistic nationalism state
sees other nations as a threat to their survival
As such, they support autarky (being economically self sufficient)
Most to least rational/civic/inclusive nationalists
Liberal, anti/post colonial, conservative, expansionist and chauvanist
Liberal Nationalism example
Was best shown during President Wilson’s fourteen-point peace plan proposed in 1918 at the end of the Great War
He insisted that all recognised nations were entitled to become free, self governing states
Liberal nationalism principles
All recognisable nations are entitled to form a state if they wish
The nation-state must be based on the self determination of its people
Each state should recognised the right of other free states to exist in peace with them and should not interfere with internal affairs
All nation-states should have equal status in the world order
Liberal nationalists
accept that all nations have an equal right to their freedom and sovereignty
Stresses the equality of nations, that each nations sovereignty should be respected
The influence of the enlightenment and its stress on rational thinking and the right of individuals to determine their own free will led nationalists to believe that the nation-states was the ultimate expression of rational government
Liberal nationalists accepted ruling families for three reasons
Through fear if they rebelled
Through a belief in tradition
A lack of any credible theory of government
(During enlightenment, this changed)
Liberal nationalism state
Hereditary rulers had denied rights in favour of their divine right to rule and rights could only be restored if the people became involved in the establishment of government
If rights were to be sacrificed by individuals and granted governments. This had to be through consent
First written into the American constitution in 1787
Conservative Nationalism (where it exists)
Tends to exist in older nation-states like the UK and France
When countries have existed for centuries and their existence has not come under threat for many decades or even centuries, creating a sense of national unity and purpose can be difficult
Conservative nationalism example (Putin in Russia)
Tried to play elite liberals and conservatives against each other
Liberals deserted him
The kremlin is very conservative, less educated and old
Nationalism is based on 80% of citizens being ethnically russian but the birth rate is below replacement so relies on migrants
Conservative nationalism
Conservatives saw that using nationalism to focus on shared traditions, history and culture could create a common bond within a nation, which could override issues that divided its people
Primary concerns of conservative nationalists
Concerned with conserving society as it is; conservative nationalism sees the nation as a focal point of national unity, helping to bind people together
Seeks to remind its citizens of what they have in common and what past experiences they share - what historical catastrophes and political storms they have endured together
Conservative nationalism - Irrational
The state and associated institutions - such as the monarchy - are a source of unity that embodies the spirit of the nation
National celebrations, such as anniversaries of historic victories, commemorate the uniqueness of the culture
Encourages an emotional, nostalgic view of the nation and uses rituals and ceremonies to appeal to people’s deep cultural connection to their nation
In this sense, it’s irrational - it’s based on emotions, not reason and logic
Conservative nationalism - Exclusive
To feel part of the nation, you need to have shared the historical events that bind society together
For example, if you weren’t in the UK during the Blitz, you can’t understand the Blitz spirit
People are excluded from feeling part of a nation until they have shared experiences as part of the nation
Conservative nationalism - Inward
It aims to defend its own national identity and way of life, rather than concern itself with the interests of other nations
To be part of the nation, you must be prepared to give up any customs/traditions of your own that go against the national character
Black Nationalism
First introduced by jamaican political leader marcus garvey
It looked to the common ancestry of all black people in Africa and sought to foster a sense of nationalism among them
There is no suggestion that Africa was ever a nation in the true sense of the word, but Garvey campaigned for the creation of a new kind of nation which crossed boundaries
Black nationalism examples
In the USA, Malcolm X created a black nationalist movement that combined islamic principles with racial identity
Muhammed Ali was a prominent adherent
Anti-Colonial nationalism
indigenous people question and reject colonial authority and power, usually at the same time there is a rise in the sense of nationhood
Post - Colonial nationalism
experiences once they have achieved independence
Scramble for Africa
To european powers, africa was an untapped natural resource with an undeveloped economy, and the potential to bring in huge profits, along with the opportunity to spread their own culture, language and religion across the globe
The Berlin conference (1884-85) aimed to regulate colonisation and trade in africa, and wsa the start of a period when european powers wiped out most autonomous forms of government
Before this, only 10% of Africa was under colonial rule, but 1914, the figure was 90%
Expansionist Nationalism
There is no clear philosophy behind expansionist nationalism, but these forms tend to exist alongside a belief in chauvinism
National chauvinism
the belief in the superiority of one nation, and the inferiority of others
Examples of chauvanism
It’s typically associated with the fascist regimes in 1930s and 1940s Germany, Italy and Japan, but could also be seen in the scramble for africa
The aryan race were the master race, superior to the slavic race who occupied a huge area of east germany, which was full of natural and mineral resources
Reasons for expansionist nationalism
expanding into other territories was for economic self-sufficiency (autarky), rejecting any reliance and co-operation with other nations
Rational v. Romantic Nationalism
Rational nationalists see the nation as serving the state rather than serving the nation
Romantic nationalism stresses the importance of language and culture, with the interests of the nation above those of the state, the state exists to serve the nation and its organic unity
Progressive v. Regressive
Progressive seeks to improve society and believe that nationalist sentiment can achieve desired aims
Regressive nationalists tend to be backward looking
Celebrate a past ‘golden age’ when the nation was dominant and wish to return to tradition values (Conservative)
Inclusive v. Exclusive
Inclusive do not see nationality as a reason for excluding people from the state
Exclusive (nativists) stress the shared historical experience of people and resist large scale immigration
Liberal v. Conservative
Liberal combines two elements - the freedom of the whole nation and individual freedom
Conservative promoted independent nations based on culture, language or religion but do not link this with democracy
Conservatives don’t only exist in monarchies or authoritarian states
Racialism v. Multiculturalism
Racialists stress the division of people into ethnic groups
Racial differences are important, sometimes tolerated, sometimes celebrated (UKIP ‘identity politics’)
Multiculturalists believe that cultural differences are not important as far as citizenship is concerned
While a variety of cultures may enrich society, the state shouldn’t favour races
Nationalism v. Internationalism
Nationalism was a dominant force in the 20th century
As globalisation picked up, nationalist forces have strengthened against it
Internationalism is based on the idea that the problems of the working class were international in nature
After WWII, european politicians were interested in an international government (treaty of versailles, UN)
Expansionist v. Nativism
When nationalism becomes almost the whole historical destiny of a nation, it can lead to a tendency towards expansionism
In the past, this was converted into imperialism and colonisation, but this is no longer a realistic option
Nativism is inward looking, it seeks to cut itself off from the world (isolationism) so that it can care for the interests only of its own people
The purpose of expansionism
partly defensive - to create a protective ring - and partly a belief that the nation has a historical duty to become the principal regional power
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
Born in geneva
The leading member of the ‘philosophes’, a group of radical thinkers who were a major influence on the French Revolution and upon liberal thinking in general
Best known for ‘The Social Contract (1762)’
Different social contract to hobbes/locke
Rousseau - nation
General will argued that governments should be based on the indivisible collective will of the ‘community’
This notion of community was based on the idea of a national community, a nation
Rousseau - self determination
Argued that these communities had the right to govern themselves, so he was associated with the idea of national self determination
Rousseau - government
were obliged to listen to the collective will of the people and ensure that it’s laws were applied universally and enforced the collective will of the people, not to direct it
Rousseau - civic nationalism
argued that the state can only be legitimate when it’s based on the active participation of its citizens
The social contract was the basis of civic nationalism
Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744-1803)
Associated primarily with culturalism
Rejected the rational beliefs of liberal forms of nationalism, focusing instead on nations as cultural, organic groups invested in their own unique spirit (volksgeist)
At the time, germany was many states, and the movement to unite them was influenced by him
Herder - culturalism
suggested that every nation was different and that each had its own unique character and identity that it should pursue and enhance
Herder - inclusive nationalism
relations between nations allowed an understanding of other nationalities, and encouraged people to understand what was distinctive about their own nation
Herder - volksgeist
identified the people as the root of national culture and special nature that each nation should try to express
Argued that nation states are an expressive of cultural differences, not the creator of them
Herder - patriotism
attached exceptional importance to the concept of nationality - ‘he that has lost his patriotic spirit has lost himself and the whole world’s about himself’
Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-1872)
Combined philosophy with heroic political and military action in the pursuit of his ideals
Along with his close associate Giuseppe Garibaldi he became the face of italian nationalism and unification - liberating the separate italian states from foreign rule and fusing them into a free independent republic
Seen as a liberal nationalist, but this was only partly true
Mazzini - nationhood
believed that humans could only express themselves via their nation
People had to unite as nations to enjoy their rights; thus human freedom rested first and foremost on the creation of one’s own state
The nation state was not merely a convenient form of government, but was a partnership of free and equal humans bound together in unity towards a single aim
Mazzini - patriotism and action
the nationalist cause had to take precedence over all causes
Regarded patriotism as a duty, and love for the fatherland a divine mission
Rejected intellectualism and rationalism and created an idea known as ‘thought and action’ in which every thought must be followed by an action
Mazzini - spirituality
Mazzini - spirituality
Charles Maurras (1868-1952)
Influenced by the turbulent aftermath of france losing the franco-prussian war in 1870, swiftly followed by the paris commune of 1871
Was a key advocated of integral nationalism, a form of right wing nationalism that influenced the ideas of fascism (exclusive, racialism, nativism)
Maurras - integral nationalism
political ideas were based on integral nationalism and some of its qualities include anti individualism and aggressive nationalism
Integral nationalist states were usually totalitarian, where the state dominates all aspects of society
Mussolini’s italy was the first example of such a society, japan in the 1940s
Maurras - individualism
rejected individualism as it led to individuals thinking only of their best interests, rather than the nation and their place in it
He believed that the french revolution had contributed to this malaise
Maurras - militarism
integral nationalism often results after a nation had achieved independence and established a state
Often, these countries have a strong military ethos, which became entrenched through the struggle for independence
Marcus Garvey (1887-1940)
Was an early advocate of pan-africanism, founding the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and well as pioneering black nationalism
Garvey - black pride
encouraged african people around the world to be proud of their race and to see beauty in their own kind
Believed that african people around the world were one people and that they would never progress if they did not put aside their cultural/ethnic differences
Ultimate dream of united states of africa
Garvey - Pan-africanism
wished to inspire a global mass-movement and economic empowerment focussing on africa, where he sought to end imperialist rule and create modern societies
Garvey - economy
Argued that black people would be respected only when they were economically strong and proposed an independent black economy
Connected black communities on three continents with his newspaper Negro World and formed Black Star Line Shipping company to provide transport and to encourage trade among black businesses of africa and the americas
Garvey - separatism
was a supporter of racial separation but he believed that humans were all equal and did not wish to create a hostile atmosphere with white people
Garvey - economy
Argued that black people would be respected only when they were economically strong and proposed an independent black economy
Connected black communities on three continents with his newspaper Negro World and formed Black Star Line Shipping company to provide transport and to encourage trade among black businesses of africa and the americas
Garvey - separatism
was a supporter of racial separation but he believed that humans were all equal and did not wish to create a hostile atmosphere with white people
Herder - human nature
people see their own identity in terms of the collective identity of a cultural group with common language and history
Herder - the state
atates can only be rightfully based upon the collective identity of a people with common cultural and linguistic heritage
Herder - society
is a cultural concept. It is based on a shared sense of culture and national heritage
Rousseau - human nature
people are rational beings who desire their own freedom
Rousseau - state
the basis of any legitimate state has to be the nation. The nation is the vehicle for self determination
Rousseau - society
political society must be based on national self determination
Mazzini - human nature
people have a romantic vision of their origins. They seek liberty, but it’s contained in the liberty of the people to which they belong
Mazzini - state
s a romantic ideal, the ultimate expression of the unity of a people
Mazzini - society
must allow personal freedom to flourish. Individuals can be free only if a whole society is also free
Mazzini - economic
economic freedom is a natural result of general freedom enjoyed by nations and their peoples
Maurras - human nature
ethnic identity is a key aspect to our consciousness
Maurras - state
various states do not have equal status. Some peoples and states are superior to others
Maurras - society
is based on a shared sense of ethnicity. Some societies are superior forms of civilisation to others
Maurras - economy
the superior culture of one nation naturally leads to the economic dominance of that nation over weaker nations
Garvey - human nature
all people are part of either a white race or black race. Though the white has dominated the black, the latter can claim a superior history and culture
Garvey - state
are largely artificial constructs, the products of white supremacy. The only meaningful state should be the united black peoples of the world
Garvey - society
black society will be superior to white society once the colonial oppression of black people is defeated
Garvey - economic
opposed both international capitalism, which leads to imperialism, and communism, which leads to dictatorship. Black peoples should set up their own form of capitalism for their own benefit.
