Nationalism refers to the devotion to the interests of one's own nation over others. This concept became particularly dominant during the 18th century with movements like the French and American Revolutions. It was ultimately these two historical events which lead to the desire for independence amongst various peoples living under colonial rule. The Haitian Revolution, for example, is quite often seen as a simple by product of these revolutions.
Ideas such as "liberty, equality and fraternity" (slogan of the French Revolution) spread throughout the world. The American Declaration of Independence can be seen as the major reason for these ideas being spread world over.
However, in the modern world, due to the countless territorial disputes arising, people have begun to question nationalism as a form of political organisation. Many claim that the wars fought over pieces of land could be avoided if it were not for concepts like nationalism instigating people. Nationalism can also be viewed as an exclusionist ideology, in that it seeks to systemically exclude a group of people from a particular category. If we, for example, identify as Pakistanis then we are excluded from all other nationalities, as are most people. However, irrespective of its flaws, nationalism has proved to be a relatively stable form of political organisation. Even critics argue that there are very few alternatives to nation states. Thus nationalism can be viewed ultimately as a necessary evil.
Nationalism, as you say, is a necessary evil. The Government decides on the national narrative so as to create a sense of national pride. However when it comes to avoidable wars and disputes, nationalism shows its ugly head. At this time, nationalism transforms itself to "national ego". It now becomes a matter of the ego of to the country to fight against anyone who disagrees with its ideology etc. Therefore a lot of today's conflicts and war could have been avoided if nations put their egos aside and sat down at the table to talk out affairs.
ReplyDelete