Wars maybe caused due to many different reasons but one of
the most important causes is Nationalism. Nationalism as an ideology supports
tolerance within a nation but it breeds intolerance towards other nations at
the same time. If we define nationalism as loyalty towards state that surpasses
any other kind of interest, we will find the inherent fault in it. Anything that
is done in the name of the country is considered right and anything that is
even slightly against the national interests is highly disregarded. This disregard
can induce violence starting from verbal battles to trade embargoes and leading
to actual wars.
Moreover, Nationalism leads to making hostile decisions
which in turn makes more enemies. By making certain allies due to nationalist
beliefs, we tend to make more dangerous enemies ultimately increasing the risk
of war. As an example, take the case of Yemen, due to Pakistan’s nationalistic
belief of Sunni Islam, we were ready to fight war with Saudi Arabia against
Yemen because of its overall Shia perception.
Hence, the root cause of wars in my opinion is Nationalism.
7 comments:
I too believe that the root cause of wars in today's world is nationalism. Nationalism has now evolved to the national pride and ego. Matters are no longer looked at through the lens of logic but rather through the lens of pride. Decisions made about conflicts are rash and not fully thought through, therefore leading to longer more bloodier conflicts in the world today
I too believe that the root cause of wars in today's world is nationalism. Nationalism has now evolved to the national pride and ego. Matters are no longer looked at through the lens of logic but rather through the lens of pride. Decisions made about conflicts are rash and not fully thought through, therefore leading to longer more bloodier conflicts in the world today
I think the problem arises when we confuse the difference between nationalism and patriotism. You are correct to say the nationalism leads to wars. There is nothing wrong with being patriotic, but we don't know where to draw the line. Nationalism, in a way breeds intolerance. The idea that one's country or race is superior to all others is why the Holocaust occurred, or why a number of Americans support the war on terror.
I believe that Nationalism even prevents war. For example, while it may result in wars occurring within foreign states it prevents civil war from occurring as it gives everyone a uniform national identity. Therefore in my opinion nationalism prevents civil war from occurring and it is only only when nationalism fails, that a civil war occurs.
Even in the case of foreign wars, Pakistan was willing to side with Yemen, hence preventing a war with Yemen at the cost of an alliance with the Saudi.
i agree that nationalism instigates intolerance and violence, however you cant neglect the fact that nations would be thriving for excellence and achieving prosperity if the desire to grow and prosper is not there or the love for that nation is not present in order to make it a superior nation.
It is true that nationalism leads to conflicts or wars in most of the cases but we cannot ignore that fact that it even motivates the people to strive hard for what they value, the prosperity of the country that in turn unites them as one to accomplish it. For example, in Libya when the people stood up against their president due to inhuman practices.
Post a Comment