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01 - Introduction

Nationalism can be seen as either a positive or negative force. Those who view it positively see nationalism as a mobilizing force that can unite people and lead to positive outcomes like liberation movements. However, others argue that nationalism is inherently divisive, pitting "us vs. them" and inevitably leading to conflict and violence. While nationalism may have achieved some good in the past, it remains a fragile identity that could easily "turn ugly" in times of crisis. Critics also argue that the idea of nationalism itself is an "imagined" social construct rather than a realistic binding force between people.

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Reece Wells
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21 views

01 - Introduction

Nationalism can be seen as either a positive or negative force. Those who view it positively see nationalism as a mobilizing force that can unite people and lead to positive outcomes like liberation movements. However, others argue that nationalism is inherently divisive, pitting "us vs. them" and inevitably leading to conflict and violence. While nationalism may have achieved some good in the past, it remains a fragile identity that could easily "turn ugly" in times of crisis. Critics also argue that the idea of nationalism itself is an "imagined" social construct rather than a realistic binding force between people.

Uploaded by

Reece Wells
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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‘Nationalism is a force for good’ – debate

For

This side of the debate has a more ‘academic’ understanding of nationalism. They have a
conception/conceptions of it which are less value-laden, which allows them to distinguish between
‘good’ and ‘bad’ nationalisms.

Nationalism as a ‘mobilising force’ – ties people’s interests together through national association.
Has produced positive changes – liberation of colonial territories, and ‘functioning of liberal
democracy’.

 This second example is not great. I don’t think liberal democracy is necessarily linked to
nationalism. People could agree to live and work in a democracy for reasons of different
connections.

There is no better alternative that has yet been found – no system of organisation has been as long-
lasting or as successful as nationalism.

There are different forms of nationalism to the belligerent, ethno-centric forms that people tend to
deride. The US is one example of a more positive nationalism.

 Of course, the Founding Fathers’ commitment to equality for all did not always translate into
actual equality for all. Whether this was because of nationalism or not is up for debate,
though. I think you could make the case that many (especially Southern white) people did
not perceive African Americans to be their compatriots.

Against

The against side generally sees nationalism as a singularly and inherently divisive force. Even if it has
done some good in the past, the fact that it necessarily divides people between ‘us’ and ‘them’
makes it inevitable that bad things will happen under its watch.

Nationalism is divisive and exclusive, which leads to ‘distrust, conflict, and, often, bloodshed’.

 It is, necessarily, as all identity groups are: this does not mean that there are not more
inclusive conceptions of nationalism which are viable.

The ‘good’ side of nationalism is fragile and is one crisis away from ‘turning ugly’.

Nationalism does not really exist – it is ‘imagined’ (you can’t escape the Anderson), and there are
more realistic connections between people that would make for better binding forces.

 Perhaps, yes, but people clearly, tangibly experience feelings of nationalism, else our current
system of nation-states would not work. It’s not as if saying this will make everyone
suddenly realise that they’ve been playing pretend for their entire lives. People believe in
the reality of nationalism.

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