Ch 17Nationalism — Class 11 Political Science, concept-first.

This chapter introduces the ideas of nation and nationalism. Rather than asking why nationalism first arose or what social purposes it serves, the chapter's real interest is in thinking carefully abou…

This chapter opens the second half of the Class 11 Political Theory book by turning to one of the most powerful ideas in modern politics: nationalism.

Ask people what nationalism means and most will point to patriotism, national flags, or a willingness to sacrifice for one's country -- the Republic Day parade in Delhi is one striking image often ass…

A nation is not simply any casual collection of people, and it is also different from the other kinds of groups and communities human beings form.

The first and most basic assumption is that a nation is constituted by belief. Nations are not physical objects like mountains, rivers or buildings that exist whether or not anyone believes in them —…

The second assumption is that people who see themselves as a nation also share a sense of continuing historical identity.

The third assumption is that nations identify with a particular territory. Sharing a common past and living together on a particular piece of land over a long stretch of time gives people a sense of c…

The fourth assumption goes beyond a shared past or a shared land. While territory and a shared historical identity build a sense of oneness, it is a shared vision of the future — and the collective as…

The fifth assumption is a more contested one. Many people feel that a shared political vision alone is not enough to bind individuals together as a nation — they look instead for a shared cultural ide…

Unlike other social groups, nations claim the right to govern themselves and to determine their own future — the right to what is called national self-determination.

Once the idea of "one culture, one state" is abandoned, a different and more constructive question follows: how can different cultures and communities survive and flourish together within a single cou…