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There are many different definitions of nationalism. From the perspective of an individual, nationalism is a feeling of identification with and dedication to a particular nation-state to the exclusion of all other nation-state. Nationalism is an emotion that can motivate people to do extraordinary things. This power can be both constructive and destructive. Specifically, it led to the building of nation-states, but also led to the destructive wars between powerful nations.

 

Nationalism is a feeling. It is an emotion that can motivate people to do extraordinary things. That is the power and danger of nationalism. It does feed off of deep psychological needs.

 

Secondly, it involved identification. There is a “we” or “us” that goes along with nationalism. It is “our” country that is being criticized, attacked, polluted or damaged.

 

Thirdly, nationalism drives us to do something for our country. Ultimately, we may be willing to give our lives for our country. We are dedicated to it, and not other countries or nation-states. Buck Compton, a member of Easy Company, stated at our Lazard dinner “countries need to act in their self-interest.”

 

At its essence, nationalism is exclusive. It is a jealous suitor that separates its patriots from humans of all other countries. There is identification with one country, one people.

 

Nationalism is a relatively new phenomenon. It only began to capture the loyalty of many people about two hundred years ago, at the end of the Eighteenth Century. It did not influence Asia until the beginning of the Twentieth Century and most Africans were not exposed to it until the end of World War II.

 

Primarily to the end of the Eighteenth Century most people in Western Europe thought of themselves primarily in religious terms such as Catholics, Protestants, and such. A key to understanding nationalism is that it became possible only with technological advancements. As the printing press became more utilized and better roads and means of transportation facilitated travel and commerce, people began to identify with others like them that lived further and further away.

 

Two historical events are credited with the initial explosion of nationalism in Europe. The first was the French Revolution. The revolution in France abolished the Monarchy and destroyed the nobility. In its place the creed of loyalty to the fatherland took hold. Because of the revolution, France no longer belonged to the King but rather to all the French people.  The armies of Napoleon forced other countries, especially Germany and Russia, to appeal to nationalism to defend them from attack.

 

The second major historical event were the democratic revolutions of 1848 that shook most of Central Europe. Soon after Germans and Italians created national governments. Democracy gave citizens a sense of ownership in their country. Thus, while repressive governments ultimately regained control in Germany and Russia, the sense of nationalism remained strong.

 

Unfortunately, nationalism led to the best and worst. That is, in the Twentieth Century, appealing to national pride raised huge armies. These armies both became legitimate instruments of national defense or agents of tyrannical aggressions such as Japan, and Germany. One of the greatest benefits of nationalism is that it enables a people who may live far apart and be very different from each other to work together to achieve legitimate national goals. A country becomes like a big family willing to help its poor and elderly or help economically victims of natural disasters. Also, nationalism can make us feel better about ourselves, and improve our self-esteem. On the other hand, in Russia today, many of its people suffer from psychological depression because they no longer feel they are part of a powerful country. Another danger of nationalism is that it separates and excludes, and can cause people to hate others from different countries. Lastly, nationalism can shut out internal as well as external criticism or dissent. This can squelch legitimate reforms necessary for a country’s development.