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To what extent does nationalism have a common view of the nation? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 7
To what extent does nationalism have a common view of the nation? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing v... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent does nationalism have a common view of the nation? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider differing views in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points in Agreement
Answer
Nationalism often presents a collective vision of the nation, emphasizing common history, culture, and identity.
Liberal nationalists, such as John Stuart Mill, argue that a nation is defined by shared characteristics and the desire for self-determination. This perspective supports the idea that all groups within the nation have common rights to autonomy and governance.
In contrast, anti-colonial nationalists, like Frantz Fanon, share a common view by promoting unity against colonial powers and emphasizing the need for a collective national identity.
Therefore, we can conclude that there is a significant alignment among various nationalist thinkers regarding the commonality of the nation.
Step 2
Points in Disagreement
Answer
However, there are notable disagreements among nationalist thinkers about the nature of the nation.
Conservative nationalists often challenge the idea of self-determination, suggesting that such aspirations may lead to fragmentation rather than unity. Figures like Edmund Burke emphasize tradition and continuity, arguing that nationalism should maintain established norms rather than promote radical self-determination.
Moreover, expansionist nationalists reject the notion of a common view of the nation by positing that the nation should expand beyond existing borders, prioritizing power and influence over the shared characteristics that define national unity.
In this sense, we can conclude that there are significant divergences in how nationalism interprets the concept of the nation.