Nationalism Core Values

The Nation

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• This value states that the nation should be the core political organisation. Nations can be simply described as cultural entities, groups of people bound together by shared values and traditions, usually occupying the same geographic area.
• The nation can be defined by objective factors; those people who meet certain criteria belong to the nation, while others are considered non-nationals. However, there is no specific means to determining where and when a nation exists.
• Language is often seen as the clearest symbol of nationhood e.g. German language produced cultural unity
• Yet, some areas have no common identities even though they share languages e.g. New Zealand
• Religion also is seen as another marker of nationhood as people share common moral and spiritual beliefs
• Ethnic or racial unity - mainly on a cultural basis. People share a common history and tradition which have been preserved by their past successes e.g. the Jews (nation of Israel)

Organic Community

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• Humans are divided into nations that all possess varying characteristics and differing identities. You will find national ties and loyalties in any society (they endure over time and operate on instinct). There are two approaches here:
• Primordialist Approach: Anthony Smith argued that national identity is historically embedded. He illustrates in his works the continuity between modern nations and pre-modern ethnic groups. He argues there is little difference between ethnicity and nationality; modern nations are really just updated ancient ethnic communities.
• Situationalist Approach: Ernest Gellner contended that national identity is a product forged in response to changing situations. He outlines in his approach the link between nationalism and modernisation.

National Community

• This is a particular type of community argued be Ferdinand Tonnies, known as Gemeinschaft:
• Founded in traditional societies
• Display of natural affection and mutual respect between people
• Emphasis on the community
• People desire to create unity
• Each person in the nation has a role and common goal
• Strive for the common good
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Self-Determination

• This relates to Jean Jacques Rousseau's emphasis on popular sovereignty ("general will"):
• The government should be based on the collective will of the entire community
• Nationhood and statehood are linked concepts
• Nations want to maintain political independence; usually seen through the principle of national self-determination
• The aim is to establish a nation-state (one nation within a single state)
• The most desirable form of government is when a political organisation is founded on people who share a common identity
• These people gain the right to self-government
• Nationalism, therefore, acts to legitimise the authority of the governing body

Identity

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• Nationalism tells people who they are:
• Their history
• Develops social bonds and collective goals
• Creates a sense of destiny beyond the individual
• Moreover, cultural nationalism argues for the strengthening of cultural identity instead of political demands.
• Political nationalism can be considered rational; cultural nationalism is 'mystical'. Von Hereder commented on the importance of differing national consciousnesses; each nation has a Volkgeist (national spirit). Nationalism plays a role in highlighting and making people aware of the nation's culture, traditions and history.