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?