Nations and Nationalism

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that nations as well as nationalism are two essential elements of today's world. The paper focuses on Ernest Gellner's theory that contends that nations and nationalism are outgrowths of a modern industrial society and Anthony Smith's theory that argues that although we can not discount the influence of human creativity in their formation, nations and nationalism are also the products of preexisting traditions and heritages. The paper offers a critique of these theories and considers these theories' application on the political scene. The paper concludes that it is important to consider both approaches as neither of them is exhaustive or flawless in their explanations.

Outline:
Introduction
Principles
Theories and their Discussion
Critique of the Theories
Development of Nationalism - 1780's to Present- Application of Theories
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"We live in a world that is constantly searching for its identity, one which is made up of state actors, non state actors, organizations, corporations and leaders. They all have a strong voice and opinion concerning the new direction of the world and they all represent important pieces in the way in which world politics is conducted. However, the traditional aspect of the international law contends that the state remains the most important and most legitimate actor in the international system. This assessment is viewed as modern and as dissolute at the same time. Around this subject and the theoretical aspects it entangles, there are a wide variety of debates and scholarly discussions some of which use the most interesting yet specific aspects of the definition of a state and of a nation. These perspectives have led to a series of theories which analyses the role as well as the actual birth of the nation and that of nationalism which in the end defines the nation state."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hobsbawm, E. (1962) The age of revolution. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson.
• Kissinger, H. (1995) Diplomacy. London: Simon & Schuster.
• Mccrone, D. (1998) The Sociology of Nationalism: Tomorrow's Ancestors. London: Rutledge.
• Nationalism Studies information Clearinghouse. (2007) The Nationalism Project. Accessed 18 July 2008, from http://www.nationalismproject.org/what/Bodypage.html
• Renan, E. (1996) "What is a Nation?" in Eley, Geoff and Suny, Ronald Grigor, ed. 1996. Becoming National: A Reader. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 41-55.

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