Role of Nationalism in Contemporary Politics

Nationalism plays a major role in world politics today. Nationalism is a

concept that can be viewed as positive and negative. Nationalism has
changed since the 19th century.

September 11, 2001 will be a day that no one will ever forget. It was a day
that has changed lives forever, creating distress throughout the world. The
terrorist attacks on the United States affected more than America; it was an
attack on all Nations that are allied with the United States. That is an
example of how nationalism plays a major role in world politics today.
Nationalism has caused and causes governments extreme amounts of work
including: negotiating and signing treaties. The United States, and the
Philippines, and Taiwan are other examples of the world aspects and its
affects on politics. However, nationalism does not always have to result in
negative outcomes. For example, a positive result was the separation of
Yugoslavia into five states. The separation of the Soviet Empire was a basis of
nationalism and was rather serene. (1)

Nationalism has been going on for centuries; this is not a new idea.
Throughout time however, the concept has changed. Nationalism came about
during the 19th Century at the time Romanticism there were two different
forms: liberal nationalism and integral nationalism. In the age of Romanticism
and the Enlightenment emphasized were societies and the link holding
people collectively as a group or common people and the distinction between
groups of people. From this idea away from the center of the individual, one
can see how nationalisms arose. Liberal nationalism was seen as traditions,
myths, dialects, and places. This was the more rational of the two; most
liberal nationalist, did not think that the growth of one custom or inhabitants
meant an eradication of another. An example would be the formation of
Germany and Italy. The Germans wanted a Germany and the Italians wanted
an Italy. Another type of nationalism was Integral Nationalism, which came
about from the Prussian War. This was the irrational form and idea that one
nation became at the expense of another. This idea of power over one
nation over another created problems and which resulted in World War I and
World War II. (6)

An additional form of recent nationalism is Zionism. This concept refers to

Israel gaining independence. (3) Nationalism has positive aspects to

nationalists in their own entity; it has strengthened nations, and encouraged
patriotism. Economically, politically, and socially nationalism has become
stronger and more diverse, it has promoted democracies or led to selfgovernment. On the other hand nationalism has led to an assortment of
microstates, isolationism, feelings of superiority, racism, and instability. (4)

The concept of Nationalism is primarily a political principle, which holds that

the political and national unit should be congruent. Nationalism either exists
in a state or is expressed it beliefs or views within a multicultural state. A
clash was present when nations and states did not coincide; existing states
are threatened, and because there are more nations than states so there
are more discontented nations. (2) The concept of nationalism solidifies
meaning and purpose of life to those under nationalism and makes them
oblivious to national and rational thinking in many cases. These nations often
see themselves as superior and right when in fact they are not.

Overall beliefs and values that include religion, folklore, history, enemies,
language, and chemical land/territory are key factors to classify nationalism.
(p.672) Another aspect that can be argued is tribalism; some believe
nationalism today is becoming more like tribalism. With technology people
can communicate because societies are connected globally; cultures and
values are bringing people together faster than ever before. (5)

Many condemn nationalism as outdated and risky. Some believe nationalism

will decline and end, however nationalism still remains a main factor and
influential force into the future. (4) Nationalism is at the heart of most of the
worlds conflict today. (1)