Lesson

RESOURCES

Watch the following introduction to nationalism.


Read and refer to  Chapter One  as your resource for completing this lesson's assignment.

What is a Nation?

LESSON

Nation
A group of people who recognize common characteristics
that make them different from other people, and work
together to achieve common goals.
Nation-state
An internationally recognized sovereign nation that has
a distinct geographical boundary and political system.

Factors or characteristics that help to create or unify an nation of people include:

Language - help us to share ideas and make connections
Ethnicity - people want to live with others who share a similar language, history and culture.

Culture - links people together through acceptable ways to act (norms) and the way of life we share such as diet, entertainment, etc.
Geography - where people live can influence their culture.  Isolated locations can impact a nation's relationship to the land, etc.
Civic Nationalism - a nation's willingness to share common values and live under the same laws (political unity).


What is a Nation anyway? Let's clarify a few terms.

Country and Nation

Some people believe that country and nation mean the same thing. There are words we use that suggest this is true. For example:

  • Nation-state means “country.”
  • International means “between countries.”
  • Nationalism among other things can mean, “striving for a country.”
  • Only countries can be members of the United Nations

The word “nation” was originally a Latin word that meant, “people” or “race.”

 Many people believe that the word nation refers to a group of people and is different from the idea of country. 

Nation as a Concept

 Many academics have tried to define what a nation is. Which views do you agree with?

  • The nation is the people.
  • Nation emerges from a feeling of belonging.
  • The nation is an imagined political community.
  • The nation exists when people want self-government.
  • The nation expresses the soul of the people.

 Nation as a Collective

 Another definition is that a nation is a collective  â€” or group — identity. When we use words like “we”, “us,” and “our” it shows that we are thinking collectively.

Nation as a Patriotic Concept

 Patriotism means love of your country.|
Watch the first part of the following video on Nationalism 

http://study.com/academy/lesson/how-nationalism-impacts-world-politics.html

                       

TERMS

nation-state
international
patriotism
ethnic
self-determination
sovereignty
civic nation
ethnic nationalism
national affiliation