Can A State Survive Without Nationalism

1425 Words6 Pages
CAN A STATE SURVIVE WITHOUT NATIONALISM? In this essay, I will argue that there is no force other than nationalism, which can determine the survival of a nation state. It is the main process through which a nation state can overcome challenges which loom over it after independence. There are many other ways to ensure a state’s success, but without nationalism, a state is bound to fail. Many thoughts have been given to a proper definition of Nationalism, but there have been various different definitions for Nationalism yet there is a common trait in all of these definitions. A broad- based definition of nationalism is given by A.D Smith. According to him, Nationalism is an ideological process for attaining and maintaining autonomy, unity and identity on behalf of a population deemed by some of its members to constitute an actual or potential nation. In short, Nationalism is the very force sustaining the process of nation building and eventfully, it unites a nation state. Often, it is the belief that an ethnic group has a right to statehood. Nationalism brings people together. It strongly emphasizes on collective identity where people are autonomous, united, and show a single culture. A nationalism whose borders coincide with the borders of a state can keep the state unified. A strong nationalist state creates fervour of national identity and ensures the economic viability of the state. The survival of a nation can be attributed to the governing body of a nation. Most countries of the world are democracies. Thus it is the people who elect representatives to govern the nation. A nation state without nationalism is unimaginable. As said above, it sustains the nation. Thus a nation cannot be successful without the atmosphere of nationalism surrounding it. However, different thoughts have been given to this statement. Different ideas can be developed of what

More about Can A State Survive Without Nationalism

Open Document