Chapter 12
Nationalism
Introduction
Nationalism has been a powerful force in modern history. It arouses strong
feelings – for some, nationalism is tantamount to racism, but for others
nationalist sentiment creates solidarity and stability, which are preconditions
for freedom. These two perspectives are informed by history: in its most
extreme form nationalism has been, it is claimed, at the root of genocidal
policies, and yet it has also been the basis of liberation movements in such
regions as Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. The challenge for political theorists
is to explain how the ‘nation’ can be a source of value and an object of
allegiance. This is indeed a challenge: most liberals – and liberalism is the
dominant ideology of our time – hold that the individual human beingis the
ultimate source of value, and the individual has claims against collective
entities, such as the nation; many socialists are collectivists, but for them it is
class, or humanityas a whole, that is the proper object of concern.Chapter map
In this chapter we will:- Outline the debate around the meaning
and origins of the ‘nation’ and of
‘nationalism’. - Consider the distinction between civic
nationalism and ethnic nationalism. - Analyse the role of nationalism in the
work of two nineteenth-century liberal
thinkers (Mill and Herder), and in the
work of Marx and Engels.- Discuss contemporary liberal defences
of nationalism.