Nationalism notes - got me multiple A*s and 21/24 on the real exam.
This is all I used to remember nationalism - using info from the notes to then make short essay plans.
Hope this can help! I now study PPE at uni.
Nationalism
Nationalism is an ideology based on the belief people are best defined as a nation and that a nation
state is the best organisation of a community. It therefore seeks to establish independent nation
states which will determine their own matters themselves (seek self-determination and create
nation states).
Nation is the basis of a community of people, who’s identity is based on shared: language, culture,
traditions, geography, history or religion.
French nationalism will focus on language and culture, whereas in Italy there would be more of
a religious connection that will not be seen in France
Identity is complicated. Some may align themselves within two communities (feeling Scottish and
British or Catalonian and Spanish) or some may feel one (feel Scottish not British etc).
Human Nature
Identity linked to: language, culture, ethnicity, geography and religion.
Nationalism in many cases may seem irrational in particular when patriotism leads to intense and
emotional ideas e.g. beliefs in nations or races being superior to others - can lead to chauvinism or
an exclusion based on ‘them’ and ‘us’.
Culturalism suggests a shared culture is key and ideas focused on volksgeist suggest that
nationhood is a central part of people’s character with an emotional attachment to the nation.
Culturalism
‘Cultural Nationalism’ refers to a kind of collective identity that relates to the organic unity of the
nation. It has two main forms: one is a liberal idea and the other is extremely conservative in
nature.
Liberal cultural nationalism
Flourishes among people who feel their distinctive culture is threatened by a more dominant
culture. Normally applies to a national group that exists within a state where there is a dominant
culture. Nationalists may not, as a result, seek independence but instead mere seek that their
identity is related to their own language and culture. Welsh nationalists typically do not seek
independence from Britain but instead wish for their language and culture be respected. Language
carries culture, so protecting language protects culture. Further examples: Bretons in France and
Lapps in Scandinavia.
Ultra-conservative form of nationalism
Nationalism 1
, Has a similar concern to see culture strengthened, but not in the interest of mere survival; instead
it includes movements which believe their national characteristics are superior to others. May
translate itself into militarism and expansionism. Serbian nationalism between world wars in the
Balkans is an example as well as Arab nationalism in North Africa after the fall of the Ottoman
Empire. When such cultural nationalism meets a strong sense of ethnic nationalism, the
combination can be dangerous - German fascism under Hitler is the most drastic example closely
rivalled by Mussolini’s radical Italian nationalism.
Volksgeist- Volksgeist is a German phrase depicting the unique spirit and character of a
nation’s people. The concept reflects the characteristics of that nation and in a broader
sense its ‘way of life.’ Volksgeist emphasises a sense of continuity with previous generations
and is thereby associated with the strand of thought known as conservative nationalism.
People with strong cultural unity = Volk and the spirit that bound them as the Volksgeist.
Racialism
Belief that racial distinctions are the most important form of national identity. Can take a neutral
form, in which case it simply implies that the basis of nationhood should be racial, though it can
take a more radical form whereby one race should be favoured over others within the nation-state
(has been described as nativism). Nativism suggests that the original race that occupied a territory
should be favoured, politically and economically, over racial groups that arrived later.
Racism
When a racial group feels itself superior to others and translates this prejudice into discrimination
or even suppression or oppression, the term ‘racist’ can be applied. Racism can be both a state of
mind and a political movement. Political racists will openly favour one race over another. In South
Africa under the apartheid regime - the white minority (largely Dutch-origin Afrikaaners) sae itself
as superior to the indigenous black population as well as those of mixed race and immigrant
groups from the Indian subcontinent. It therefore denied these populations civil rights (notably
voting) and routinely discriminated against them socially and economically.
Racism (based on tribal distinctions) is also a common feature of African states where one tribal
people may enjoy a monopoly of political and economic power over minority tribal groups.
Civic and Liberal Nationalism are more rational - focusing on equality, respect and cooperation.
The State
Nationalism 2
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