Domesticating Nationalism: Resurgence, Regional Integration, and the Future of Supranational Politics
Overview
This critique examines the chapter 'Domesticating Nationalism' which argues that nationalism, contrary to predictions of its decline, remains a powerful political force in the 21st century. The paper discusses how despite the rise of supranational institutions like the European Union, nationalist sentiments have resurged globally, particularly in response to top-down integration policies that excluded citizen consultation, and explores whether contemporary nationalism will coexist with democratic values and ethnic diversity.
What this coursework covers
- Introduction to nationalism as a historical construct rather than natural human organization
- European Union integration efforts and failed predictions of nationalism's obsolescence
- Contemporary nationalism resurgence across Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia
- Analysis of citizen backlash against supranational governance and integration policies
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Critique Assignment
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Critique Assignment
The chapter’s discussion is based on ‘Domesticating Nationalism.’ The author explains that human beings have always organized in tribes, families, principalities, cities, and religious communities. As such, the idea of a nation is not very natural. Although in the wake of French and American revolutions, the nation had become a powerful history driver, it significantly remained an elites’ project. According to the author, nationalism consists of destructive forces such as religious intolerance, ethnic hatred, destruction, and war. For example, people in a country define themselves as footballers, doers, thinkers, and residents or citizens of cities. However, they need to be themselves because the cultural differences between nations such as England and Germany, or France and Italy, are often small and depend on the language spoken by people, their cultural practices, and the type of food they eat among others.
Approximately five decades ago, the European Union faced increasingly multifaceted policy challenges and attempted to pull its resources together. The political leaders who engaged in integrating Europe were united, and as a result, the voters had to follow suit. Countries nearing Europe that had not been nationalist decided to join the club. However, countries such as Latin America and Africa decided to construct their regional alliances. Influential thinkers claimed that the European Union was representing the future of international politics. Therefore, many political professors held the perception that nationalism was bound as development improved to become marginal and outgrow its utility.