Why Nationalism brings glory to any country but it is also a major means of downfall?

Answer 1

Nationalists usually see the downfall comming and attempt to respond, not always in time. The downfall is rarely caused by nationalism, but nationalists are usually the only defenders.

Do you think liberals would dare defend?

Nationalism is standing up for your own. Liberals may avoid fights by ignoring threats but are only threatened more because of it.

www.nationalist.org

Answer 2

Nationalism is more than a political ideal, its a feeling of unity in all facets of the nation - common language, common beliefs, history, politics, culture, religion, and territory. It is when all those people inside a defined territory recognise themselves as belonging to a group.

Nationalism can be very healthy. A sense of belonging can generate immense national pride and can be utilised in times when the nation is threatened. Political leaders harnessed nationalism during war to mobilise the people to fight against a common foe. A feeling of unity has helped all countries ward of threats to its existence.

However nationalism does have it evil side. Facism was an example of this - the rise of Hitler using nationalist sentiment and common national unity against perceived evils was mobilised against the Versaille Treaty and against Germany's perceived enemies - the Jews.

Nationalism has united nations - ie Italy and Germany during the 19th Century, but it has also torn nations apart.

Notions of nationalism and patriotism can be very dangerous toys in the wrong hands.