Nationalism has spread throughout Europe and beyond. 4 Scrutinising forms of nationalism in Europe, like Risorgimento nationalism will prove essential. 5 Emancipation and oppression form some of the elements and roots of the typology of “nationalism”.
In exploring the spread of nationalism, the creation of nationalism in the Third World requires to be mentioned and also look at a few words and terms connected with “nationalism”.
I agree that nationalism is an “ infantile disease” but only to a certain extent. Nationalism is part of human nature, to remember something in the past is a thing that a whole nation has in common. But people are also weary of what is different or not familiar to them, in this case it may involve foreigners (xenophobia). 6 Nationalism is a “disease” because it breeds insularity (sectarianism) and conflicts, especially in politics through violence and civil wars. Nationalism destroys rational decision-making in politics. Cultural nationalism keeps all mankind and the nation imprisoned in its past and keeps it primitive. 7 Too high a price has been paid to national pride and patriotism, for example in the form of the millions of lives lost in civil wars. Nationalism became most synonymous with this “disease” between 1918 and 1945. 8Nationalism constitutes a group behaviour that has been characterised by insularity and exclusivity fuelled by hostility towards rival groups, almost like “tribalism”. In these senses nationalism is seen as a childish and puerile “infantile disease”.
9The French Revolution may have caused the “disease” to spread and produce “the National Awakening of the European Peoples (1789) ” Risorgimento (resurrection) was born out of this.10 Linguistic movements and the creators of language became the core of nationalism. This occurred in Catalan, Gaelic-Irish/Scots, Flemish and Basque.
10 Political thinkers portray nationalism as a modern phenomenon born out of industrialisation and the creation of democracy and freedom (of speech).11 Nationalism appears like an “illegal immigrant” or a “disease” in liberal-democratic traditions and policies. Liberal-democrats find themselves supporting some nationalisms and opposing others. 12Nationalism causes a number of “infections” in British politics. Liberal nationalism is a belief of universal right to self-determination. Conservative nationalism values the capacity of patriotism to deliver social unity and political harmony. Expansionist nationalism is a vehicle for aggression and imperial conquest. Anticolonial nationalism is the fight for national liberation and social development.
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The Oxford Dictionary (Oxford 1995) p.270.
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P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p.4.
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P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p.7.
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P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p. iv.
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P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p. iv.
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A.Heywood, Politics (London 1997), p.119.
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A.Heywood, Politics (London 1997), p. 119.
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A.Heywood, Politics (London 1997), p. 111.
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P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p.59.
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J.G. Kellas, The Politics Of Nationalism And Ethnicity (London 1991) p.34.
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M.Freeman, Nationalism: For and Against. (University Of Essex , Dept. Of Govt. Papers In Politics/Govt.1992), p.3
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A.Heywood, Politics (London 1997), p.119.
Nationalism may be seen as an “ infantile disease” due to many elements of its character being immature and childish to enter the sphere of politics. An example of this is in my native Scotland may be our form of racism and unrest with our neighbours England. Scots boo the national anthem “God Save the Queen” and form images of their history in emotional and sentimental stories, like the ones displayed in books and films like “Braveheart”. Scots do not see themselves as being “British” or “European” only “Scottish”. This is an important element in the Northern Ireland troubles, where Roman Catholics living in Northern Ireland do not see themselves as “British” but as “Irish”. This is where nationalism is connected to themes like racism, oppression and ethnic cleansing. To murder people just down to the basis of emotion and sentimental value of cultures is about as childish as you can get, this maybe down to human nature, but should never enter the political arena like it did with Nazism and the genocide (Anti-Semitism).
13Nationalism may have been conceived and born through industrialisation as many philosophers have been in cohesion with this theology. Industrialisation involves all of “mankind” and seems to be
unhealthy like a “disease”. 14 This is due to the inequalities it created throughout in the economical, political and educational areas.15 If anybody can identify himself or herself as being the victim of the “nation”, nationalism is created and breeds throughout.
Nationalism has proved to a potent political force all across Europe and the rest of the world. One astonishing example is in the “Third World” in South Africa.
16Nationalism in South Africa was created due to the end of the apartheid era and the introduction of democracy inspired by Nelson Mandela. The end of the legacy delivered the “Rainbow Nation” ; freedom, democracy, and racial harmony. The “real people” of South Africa now have autonomy and govern their nation.
17Nationalism has proved to be a potent political force because of democracy; the people now have the power to allow what they want, based on fears, sentiments(patriotism) and what is best for themselves and the nation.
18 The principle of “one state, one culture” makes itself known all across the globe. In South Africa “the Rainbow Nation” and Scotland’s attempt to gain autonomy in the Scottish Parliament.
19Politics and their units will always feel the strain from any nationalist activity.
In answering Albert Einstein’s notion of nationalism, it is to a certain extent purely “an infantile disease”. Nationalism does involve childish and puerile characteristics throughout. To base one’s actions on 20 “patriotic feelings, messages, memories, and emotions” seems to reflect a child’s irrational behaviour. This may cause civil wars and mass bloodshed when combined with politics. (examples of this in the essay)
Nationalism may be regarded as a “disease” in the way it is infectious and easy to spread all across the world. Philosophers believe nationalism is part of human nature, it is inside every one of us, everybody has “ feelings, emotions, memories, and images” of belonging to something; a nation.(nationality)
Nationalism is created through these elements entering politics and decision-making; because of democracy people can now voice these “patriotic feelings and emotions” causing them to be the most potent political force and maybe hinder any rational decision-making.
(1091 words approx.)
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E. Gellner, Nations And Nationalism (Oxford,1983), p.115.
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E. Gellner, Nations And Nationalism (Oxford,1983), p.115.
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E. Gellner, Nations And Nationalism (Oxford,1983), p.115.
Higher Grade Modern Studies (St Maurices High School ,Cumbernauld 1999) Higher Notes On Apartheid.
A.Heywood, Politics (London 1997), p.117-119.
E. Gellner, Nations And Nationalism (Oxford,1983), p.135.
E. Gellner, Nations And Nationalism (Oxford,1983), p.136.
The Oxford Dictionary (Oxford 1995) p.270. And.
P. Alter, Nationalism (Suhrkamp Verlag Frankfurt am Main, 1985), p.7.
Bibliography:
Alter. P., (1985) Nationalism (United Kingdom : Nationalismus English Translation)
Heywood. A., (1997) Politics (London : THE MACMILLAN PRESS LTD)
Kellas J.G., (1991) The Politics Of Nationalism and Ethnicity ( London : THE MACMILLAN PRESS)
Freeman. M., (1992) Nationalism: For and Against (University of Essex : Department Of Government Papers In Politics and Government)
Gellner. E., (1983) Nations and Nationalism (Oxford : The Basil Blackwell Publisher Limited.)
