Nationalism and Democracy Essay - 1166 Words

Nationalism has played a crucial role in world history over the past centuries. It continues to do so today. For many, nationalism is indelibly associated with some of the worst aspects of modern history, such as the destructive confidence of the Napoleon’s army and the murderous pride of Nazi Germany. Large numbers of people, descent in their hearts, have carried out unbelievable atrocities for no better reason than their nation required them to. Authoritarian and totalitarian regime have crushed dissent, eliminated opposition, and trampled on civil liberties in the name of the nation. These horrors caused by nationalism seem to be at the opposite end of the spectrum from the promising ideal of democracy. As Ghia Nodia pointed out, many†¦show more content†¦As the main source of national identity, nationalism â€Å"makes [people] feel connected not only to one another but also to the homeland itself† (Jusdanis 28). In the case of the American founding, when the delegates from respective states met to construct a more perfect union, they did not identify themselves as Virginians or New Yorkers. Instead, they defined themselves as â€Å"we the people of the United States† as it appears in the Preamble to the US constitution. The shared interest in liberty and freedom as well as the attachment to the land of their fathers made it possible for the vast population of the thirteen states to think of itself as a unified body despite their internal ethnic and cultural divide. By identifying themselves as a member of certain group, people will form a society with certain shared value, which ultimately can become the political units for a democratic government. Nationalism is essential for creating a cohesive political community. In addition to defining the political units for democratic governance, nationalism can also bind citizens to a common destiny, and in doing so provide the motivation for citizens to take part in the democratic life. Much of democracy is based on the voluntary participation of citizens with a personally identification with the democratic ideals: rights, responsibility, and procedure. However, such commitment is often insufficient to inspire anShow MoreRelatedNationalism And Democracy Are Intertwined Within The State1491 Words   |  6 PagesNationalism and democracy often are co-existent with each other at any time within the state. These interactions that they have with each other culminate in both benefits and problems for society, or sometimes produce a neutral reaction. This essay will explore these interactions that could either be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral in the ways that nationalism and democracy are intertwined within the state. The important notion that nationalism brings to democracy is the concept of conflictRead MoreThe Role Of Nationalism As A Cause Of The Failure Of Democracy2966 Words   |  12 PagesAssess the importance of Nationalism as a cause of the failure of democracy in Germany in the period 1918-1934. Nationalism was an important and fundamental factor in the downfall of the Weimar Republic and in turn, the ensuring failure of democracy in Germany in the period of 1918-1934. Nationalism is a political and social philosophy that aims to emphasise the nation’s virtues above others. It is a principle of a nation’s demand to be more powerful and successful than any other. A sense ofRead MoreAssess the importance of nationalism as cause of the failure of democracy in Germany in the period 1918-1934.1828 Words   |  8 PagesNationalism was an important and integral factor in the downfall of the Weimar Republic and in turn, the ensuing failure of democracy in Germany in the period 1918-1934. The sense of loyalty and devotion to ones nation, which the German citizens had felt in their militaristic past, was ultimately devastated by WWI and its consequences. Although nationalism was a major cause of the failure of democracy in Germany, there were many other factors adding t o the stress upon the countrys government at thisRead More An Argument Against a Presupposition1640 Words   |  7 PagesIn The American Democracy and Its National Principle, Herbert Croly makes an eloquent and poignant case for adopting a nationalistic frame of mind. According to Croly, we are rapidly approaching a junction where we must choose between the traditional values, measures and mind set of our past or embrace the opportunities of the future. As a people we should realize that the future holds great promise, and that is why we should focus on empowering a centralized system of governance that replacesRead MoreNotes on Nationalism- A2 Government and Politics1119 Words   |  5 PagesNationalism The nature of the nation and the differences between nations and states. - A nation can be defined as a group of people who consider themselves to have common circumstances at birth. These common circumstances are strong enough for them to adopt collective goals based on their national identity. Nationalism is therefore an emotional phenomenon felt by the people. - There are a number of typical circumstances of birth that may give rise to nationhood including having a single commonRead MoreSpread Of Nationalism Throughout Europe1505 Words   |  7 PagesSpread of Nationalism Throughout Europe Nationalism is the ideology that asserts that a nation is formed by a group of people with a common identity, language, history, territory, and set of customs. It was an important factor in the development of Europe. The IB Global Context, Identities and Relationships relates to nationalism because it defines us just like nationalism does. It focuses on identities, beliefs, values, and relationships. Napoleon came to power on 24 August 1799 and crowned himselfRead MoreNationalism And Its Impact On Society1266 Words   |  6 PagesIn global politics, Nationalism tends to be one of the very most important ways that we as people identify ourselves politically and one of the most crucial forces that shapes international politics. Nationalism is most often used to describe two main aspects in global politics: The first being the demeanor that the people or members of the nation have in the way of caring for their national identity, and secondly the contributions or actions that the peo ple of a nation take when searching to reachRead MoreDirect Democracy Within A Representative System1485 Words   |  6 PagesOn a very basic level, direct democracy can be seen as mob rule or rule by decree. The system allows the mob to overrule the decisions made by the government, refusing any consistent social contracts between the citizens. In this pure form, direct democracy cannot even be considered a system of governance at all. It is not the most fair or just system. (Schneider). In order for any individual to indulge in a causal contract with other members of the society, it is necessary that they feel that theyRead MoreWhat ´s an Ideology?1412 Words   |  6 Pagesfollowing ideologies: †¢ African nationalism This ideology is based on supporting one’s own nation; it is therefore a political movement to unite the people of South Africa. African nationalism in South Africa can be seen to improve the social, economic and intellectual standing of Africans. African nationalism, in South Africa, also embraces the concept of Pan Africanism. It is a modern concept which tries to build a nation within a specific country or area. Nationalism united all the indigenous groupsRead MoreGlobalization: An Ideology of Western Elitists? Essay examples1229 Words   |  5 Pagesplanet and sell anything anywhere on the planet† (Keeling, 2002). While the benefits of human social and economic interactions are hard to ignore, globalization and its agencies also contribute to: the depolarization of society, the undermining of democracy, and the denationalization of the globe. This paper will assess the various political and economic factors of globalization from a socialist perspective. Globalization creates and amplifies depolarization on a regional, national and global level