What is so bad or good about Nationalism? It is just Patriotism? Has the bushcheney MIC profited by its use?

Question

Is Nationalism as a valid or merely useful socio-political force destructive and divisive in and of itself? Great thinkers and many others view it as such. Einstein et al

Answer 1

I see a nationalism in many things americans do overseas. It is surprising the level of arrogance many americans have about this country and i think bush is using it to get people to volunteer for an illegal, immoral war for profit. Nationalism leads to a certain closed-mindset and blindness to what is wrong and right about the country...Nationalism, Patriotism, Jingoism and Xenophobia are all basically intertwined and like Herr Einstein and many other Truly Intelligent Humans I have no trust for nationalism or its apologists

Answer 2

I think nationalism has pros and cons..

In many ways, it is an empowering philosophy. As a citizen, you are part of the success and failure of your nation. This mentality may seem primitive, but it was a replacement for serfdom where the mentality is that of merely being property belonging to the state. Without nationalism, Napoleon would never have been so successful in overthrowing Europe's monarchies and bringing the ideas of democratic determination. Nationalism prevents a nation from giving up without a fight if its invaded - Irish nationalism has persisted for hundreds of years against British invasion. Iraqi nationalism in the form of chaos reminds us that we cannot dictate to them...

The downsides of nationalism are numerous and obvious. It causes war, ignorance, protectionism (aka economic suicide), and turns government into a sort of modern-day quasi-religion. In the name of nationalism, people will sometimes support erosions of their liberty, stupid wars, bad economic policies... etc.. the list goes on and on.

"If there's a new way, I'll be the first in line
but it better work this time." -Dave Mustaine

Answer 3

Nationalism is often seen as just more extreme Patriotism, or less extreme Jingoism. But, a 'nation' can be defined as something other than a country or state - like a race or culture.

In as much as nationalism exists in America, for instance, it could be argued to be centered around the values of the American revolution, rather than around a specific race or even a specific geographical area. Or, American Nationalism could be seen as focusing on the country's isolationist leanings - a 'Fortress America' the interests of which end at it's well-secured borders.

But, nationalism can cross political borders. The Aztlan movement in America, for instance, is essentially a form of Mexican Nationalism that wishes to annex the American South West, using romanticized racial and mythical paradigms to justify that goal, as so many nationalistic movements have in the past.


However you view American Nationalism, it's hard to see at as a strong or important force in American political discourse. America is too young a nation, too diverse, and too divided to be characterized as strongly nationalistic. There was certainly a desperate surge of patriotism following 9/11, but that has largely ended.

If you're looking for a driving force behind America's schizophrenic foreign policies, I don't think Nationalism is it. I'd be tempted to call it "Frustrated Isolationism." America would /like/ to be an isolationist nation, dealing with other countries only to trade at it's ports, but, it has been forced by global conflicts and global politics to participate in the global arena for decades, not only as an ally of great powers, but as a greate power itself, and, finally, as the world's 'sole superpower.'

And, as much as we benefit from that, we don't like it.

Answer 4

Patriotism refers to loyalty, pride and love for one’s country.
 Nationalism: a unifying ideology manifacturing consent on the basis of a strong appeal and symbols of identification
 Nationality: ethnic and cultural identity
 Citizenship: political identity
 Ethnicity: inborn factors like kinship, biological and genetic connections.
 Ethnie: A group of people larger than family, clan, tribe who have a common language, common territory, a common culture, common myths and memories.
 Race: A biological and genetic category corresponding to phenotypical peculiarities.
 Ethnic revivalism: Does it get lost with modernisation, or enflamed with it?
FASCISM
Nazi Ideology
Ethimology: latin word, fasces, which means bundles of rods bound together in a way that symbolises unity.
Negative themes:
– Against class struggle
– Against parliamentary government
– Antitrade union
– Against political parties
– Against the treaty of Versailles
– Anti-semitist and racialist
– Anticommunist
Positive themes:
– Nationalism
– Expansionism
– Communitarianism
– Leadership (Führerprinzip

Answer 5

I don't see how Bush uses Nationalism. Some hollow rhetoric about fighting terror is not Nationalism. Nationalism requires a secure border. Bush and Cheney are pushing for a global state.

Answer 6

Why not ask that question about the libs' newest idol, Huge-ego Chavez, as he steadily dismantles Democracy in his country?

Answer 7

uuummm this one is to heavy 4 me ;)