An examination of the phenomenon of nationalism in an attempt to understand its cultural and political formation.
This paper looks at how, from a certain perspective today, nationalism can be seen as increasingly threatened and how mass migration on a scale unseen before threatens the link between ethnicity and nation and poses the possibility of a nation based on civil rights rather than culture. It explores the origins of nationalism in Europe and the characteristics that can be seen in the nation states of Europe. It then considers the concept of the colonial state and how the “new states” have changed and problematicized out the concept of the nation. It also examines the challenges nationalism will face in an age of globalization.
“What is noticeable about the discourse on ethnicity in anthropology is that ethnic identities (and perhaps all identities predicated on a mimetic self-other relationship) reach their greatest force in times of flux and change. It is not surprise then, to see ethnic and national identity becoming most natural and forceful in times of stress. Indeed, as Mamdani notes (2000) the success of the post colonial leaders in Africa was dependent in part upon their success as deracialisation and forging a common identity for the new nations. Ethnicity and nationalism often co-exist in conflicting ways; one can be, for instance, Italian-American.”