Pol 252 nationalism_national_identity

1. POL 252-01
Spring 2015

14. BEIJING, 2008 MEXICO CITY, 1968

15. What
about the
European
Union?

21.  Are nations ancient or recent constructs?
 How do we define a nation now?
 What does “the nation” mean for
individuals and their identity?

22.  Identity is basic part of human society
 Rooted in history and experience
 Bonds are ancient and enduring
 Biology and Evolution
 “Survival of the Fittest”
 Reproductive Success

23.  Nationalism = Relatively regent emergence
 17th and 18th centuries
 Key Aspects of Nationalism:
 #1: Idea of “nation” is inclusive
 #2: Treats all members of society equally
 #3: Nation of sovereign (Discussions of State)
 Is the U.S. a “modern” nation by these criteria?

24.  Nationalism is socially and politically
constructed over time
 Identity is a resource in the hands of leaders
while pursuing other interests
 Bonds are means to gain material goals

27.  Western and Eastern Nationalism
 Western:Tolerance, Democratic Institutions
 Eastern: Xenophobia, Ethnocentrism
 Civic and Ethnic Nationalism
 Importance of Citizenship
 What is Territorial Nationalism?
 Individualistic and Collectivistic Nationalism
 Individualistic: Individuals Community
 Collectivistic: Community  Individuals

29.  PrimordialTies
 Focus on Evolution, Social Darwinism
 What are the main critiques of this approach?
▪ #1: Lack of Empirical Evidence
▪ #2: Are identities really static?
▪ #3: How do we explain contemporary identities?
 Structural Forces
 What is structuralism? Economy, Class Divisions

30.  Political Institutions
 Nationalism is politically conceived via State
 State Power  Fighting Wars, Paying Taxes
 Cultural Construction
 What is constructivism? Historical construction
 Nationalism as form of culture
▪ Why has it emerged?
▪ Why has it persisted?

33.  Primordial Bonds: Threat, Passion, Loyalty
 Cultural Boundaries: Boundaries, Borders
 Material Interests: Goods and Resources
 Rational Calculations: Strategy of Individual
 Social Psychology: “Us” vs. “Them”