NATION

A nation is a body of people, inhabiting a definite territory, share common features such as race, language, a common history, religion, etc. and a common will which leads them to desire a common state. 

‘Nationality’ is the distinctive quality of a group which has a common origin and tradition. The group shares common characteristics and most of all possesses a will to live together as a sovereign group. Therefore when a nationality of people assert their political right to widen – or political determination, they form a nation state.

Thus the feeling of ‘nationalism’ is a subjective one where in the people feel connected to each other because of shared characteristics – it is a sentiment, a consciousness created/nurtured by political, economic, social, intellectual, cultural factors. 

Thus in the 18^th and 19^th century most states were formed on the basis of nationality – groups that shared a common language, religion, etc. formed a nation – state. (Unification of Germany = German speaking; Netherlands = rel.)

Thus the following elements usually constitute the formation of a nation.

(1)  GEOGRAPHICAL UNITY

According to Hertz and Barker, geographical unity leads to the formation of a nation. Thus islands for example are more likely to be nation states.

Eg. Australia, Sri Lanka

But geographical unity is not necessary. Eg. The Jews considered themselves a nation for 100’s of years though they possessed a geographical state only after 1948.

 

(2)  UNITY OF LANGUAGE

Since language is used for expression and communication, a common language helps to promote nation. Ramsay Muir considers language the most important element of a nation.

But nations like India, UK, Switzerland have several languages.

 

(3)  RACE

Political determination on the basis of race was very important in the 19^th and 20^th century. Thus Zummerman, Bryce, Burgess consider it a very important element. It influenced the formation of Poland (1919), Israel.

Today few states are really ‘racially pure’ and hence race is considered less important.

 

(4)  RELIGION

A shared religion indicates not just a shared form of worship but also influences philosophy and determines culture. Hence religion can be a very powerful building force. The creation of  Pakistan was completely dependent on religion.

Today, though most states are religiously heterogeneous, religious conflicts and separatist movements on the basis of religion often surfaces.

 

(5)  SHARED HISTORY

A common past, particularly a traumatic one often leads to the development of nationality or a feeling of oneness. Eg. The common anti-British feeling that resulted from colonization brought Indians together to fight for a separate independent state.

 

According to Hertz, none of these elements are necessarily determinants of nationalism. According to him (1) People should have desire to be one nation

                                            (2) People should endeavour for unity and strength.

 

NATIONALITY                                                                 STATEHOOD

-          Subjective                                                                  - objective

-          psychological                                                             - political / legal cond.

-          cond. of mind                                                             - cond. of law

-          can only be encouraged not forced                            - enforceable obligation

 

Nationalism carried too far can be dangerous. It can lead to an exclusive policy – where only those seen as being of ‘pure’ nationality should be members of the state. Extreme nationalism (like Fascism) can elevate the concept of nation at the cost of its people.

Vladimir Solovyer – “In its extreme form it destroys a nation, for it makes it the enemy of mankind…”

Nationalism when expressed as a single religion/ pure raceetc. Always leads to conflict.

Nationalism also encouraged minorities to demand separate states (sessation)

 

SYMBOLS OF NATIONALISM

Snyder – “Nationalism is not innate instinct but rather a socially conditioned, synthetic sentiment.” Therefore it requires symbols.

Slogans, songs, flags, uniform, emblems, parades.

A NATIONAL CHARACTER – does it exist?

An outsider’s notion of the people of another nation. Greek writers considered the citizens of Sparta to be disciplined – can one really affix characteristics to a nation?

McDougall – Each national group has its own genius and its character is conditioned by geographical peculiarities, religion, etc. He says every race has inherent mental abilities which are permanent and influence its national character. English – reserved; Italians – gregarious; Indians – fatalist. Does that mean that one cannot find reserved Indians or gregarious Englishmen?

Given today’s multiethnic states, it is rather difficult to ascribe a particular trait to a nation. Also every nation changes with its history and therefore its character is also dynamic. Thus is national character only a stereotype?

TERRORISM

Terrorism is the use or threat of violence to create fear and alarm. Terrorists murder and kidnap people, set off bombs, hijack airplanes, set fires and commit other serious crimes. But the goals of terrorists differ from those of ordinary criminals. Most criminals want money or some other form of personal gain. But most terrorists commit crimes to support political causes.

The word terrorism first appeared during the French Revolution (1789-1799). Some of the revolutionaries who seized power in France adopted a policy of violence against their enemies. The period of their rule was known as the ‘Reign of Terror’.

Features of terrorism

Terrorist acts are committed for various reasons. Some terrorist groups support a particular political philosophy. Other terrorist organizations represent ethnic groups seeking liberation from governments in power. Dictators use violence to frighten or eliminate their opponents. Most terrorist groups have a small number of members. They believe that threat or use of violence to create fear is the best way to gain publicity.

Generally terrorists attack people who oppose their cause or objects that symbolize such opposition. Common victims of terrorist kidnappings and assassinations include diplomats, business executives, political leaders, judges and police. Terrorists also attack churches and synagogues, oil refineries, and government offices. At other times, terrorists simply choose any target certain to attract newspaper or TV coverage. Some terrorists hijack airplanes or seize public buildings. Then they hold the passengers or occupants hostage and make demands to further their cause. They often threaten to kill the hostages if their demands are not met. Bombings make up about half of all terrorist acts.

Terrorism may cross national boundaries. A quarrel in one nation may produce terrorist attacks in several other countries. Some governments secretly support certain terrorist groups by providing weapons, training and money for attacks in other countries.

Most terrorist groups fail to achieve their long-range political goals. Governments fight terrorism by refusing to accept terrorist demands and by increasing security at airports and other likely targets. Some countries train special military units to rescue hostages.

With developments in communication and technology, terrorism has expanded to not just the use of arms and ammunitions, but to weapons of mass destruction like nuclear weapons and bio weapons which are far more dangerous and have far reaching consequences that will affect the planet.

ATITHI DEVO BHAVA

'Atithi Devo Bhava' signifies that a guest is considered equal to God in Indian Culture. In India, guests are given a warm traditional welcome, which usually starts with a welcome drink, followed by 'tikka' marked on the forehead of the guest. An 'aarti' is performed and then the guest is treated to a host of delicacies prepared by the women of the family. 

The Indian Tourism Ministry launched a campaign with this phrase as the title to showcase the rich culture and heritage of India.