This document contains lecture notes from a political science course on nationalism. It poses a series of questions about how nations and nationalism are defined, including whether nations are ancient or recent constructs, how identity relates to the individual and community, and different theories on the origins and nature of nationalism, such as primordialism, structuralism, political institutions, and cultural construction. It also discusses types of nationalism like civic vs. ethnic nationalism and individualistic vs. collectivistic nationalism.

1. POL 252
Fall 2014

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.  Primordial Ties
 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”