Modern Nationalism - some ideas and concepts... Overview: - the policy or doctrine of asserting the interests of ones own nation, viewed as separate from the interests of other nations or the common interests of all nations or the desire for national advancement or independence (as according to dictionary) - According to the Dictionary of International Relations, authors Graham Evans and Jeffrey Newnham, define nationalism as follows: This term is used in two related senses. In the first usage, nationalism seeks to identify a behavioral entity - the nation - and thereafter to pursue certain political and cultural goals on behalf of it. In the second usage, nationalism is a sentiment of loyalty toward the nation which is shared by people. - Why is this an international issue? Nationalism is a very important factor in shaping international relations because it helps to determine global economic conditions and international political alliances. It can also spark international controversies and wars. Also, it is a tool of national identification and the source of patriotism for citizens around the world, thus implying significant influence. - Countries align themselves with this issue in very similar methods. Most countries embrace their own nationalism as an intrisic value to their national identity. Nationalism, however, can also be viewed by outside countries in a negative way. Some countries look at other nationalist characteristics from other countries and believe them to be inferior, crude, or socially unacceptable. Modern Nationalism - There are several modern nationalist movements in the world today. Most movements are seen in developing nations or states. And most movements originate in people groups desiring to enhance their national identity, culture, or ideals. - Examples of these modern nationalist movements... - Sudan, Africa: In Darfur, a region of Sudan in Africa, there are several nationalist movements merging to create a powerful front for justice and peace, but also advocation for their national identities. One of the main movements is with the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) led by SLA Secretary-General Minni Arkou Minnawi. In a recent BBC article, he states that “the objective of the SLAis to create a united democratic Sudan. Sudans unity must therefore ultimately be based on the right to self-determination and the free will of the various peoples of Sudan... on an economy and a political system that address the uneven development and marginalization that have plagued the country since independence. Similar to the SLA is the Justice for Equality Movement (JEM) which is an Islamic group in Sudan pushing for power and peace in the region. As mentioned in the BBC article, these two movements have actually merged together, creating an even stronger front. Also aiding in this movement is the Alliance of Revolutionary Forces of West Sudan. These three organizations are united against the genocide and violence occuring in Darfur, fighting off mainly the corrupt government and their militia, the Janjaweed. - Chiapas, Mexico: In Chiapas, the richest region of Mexico, there is a strong nationalist movement fighting for territorial control and defending against governmental corruption. The movement is made by the Zapatista Army of National Liberation Front (Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional, or EZLN). The EZLN - more commonly referred to as the Zapatistas - are a group of indigienous Mexicans using nonviolent means to defend against the Mexican government. They are fighting for control of their territory and their abundant natural resources, as they are a substantial agricultural region of Mexico. The movement dates back to 1994, yet continues to still have influence over the populace. The leader of the movement, commonly known as Marcos is known to be the modern version of Che Guevera. He says this about the movement: The indigenous movement in which zapatismo is inscribed is not trying to return to the past, nor to maintain the unfair pyramid of society, just changing the skin color of the one who mandates and rules from above. The struggle of the Indian peoples of Mexico is not pointing backwards. In a linear world, where above is considered eternal and below inevitable, the Indian peoples of Mexico are breaking with that line and pointing towards something which is yet to be deciphered, but which is already new and better. In a region that experiences unnecessary poverty and massive inequality, the movement can only be a postive step forward for the Mexican people. - The Arab Nation: Another nationalist movement in the 21st century comes not in the form of an established nation or state, but instead in the spirit and culture of a people group. The Arab nation (both centered in the Middle East and also around the world), are defending their powerful cultural identity with great efforts. These Arab Nationalists are most commonly referred to as Qawmiyya. Their main goal is to unite all Arabs and celebrate Arab literature, language, customs, and history. Most followers of this movement are Muslim and take great pride in their religion and customs associated with such. This is a powerful movement in the Middle East and seeks to support their strong sense of heritage and Arab pride. - Other Movements: There are several other nationalist movements around the world. Many states and nations in Latin America are experiencing strong sentiments towards enhancing their national identities. Similarly, people in places of China, India, and Turkey are seeking the same. Large movements in various regions of Africa and the Middle East are becoming substantial and powerful voices for nationalism. Most of the movements, however, are of course seen in developing states and nations, seeking to still establish unity and to end corruption once and for all. Intergovernmental Organizations... - What is an IGO? An IGO is an agency set up by two or more states to carry out projects and plans in a common interest (as according to businessdictionary) - There are several IGOs associated with international issues, including nationalist movements. Smaller states usually deal with more IGOs because they find more power with them than without them. If small states can find more power then their nationalist movements can have impact. - Usually, there are not specific IGOs that work with specific nationalist movements. Instead, several nationalist movements can find power and benefits by working with several different IGOs. For the movements I followed, the UN and WHO were definitely working closely with each movement. These movements, however, are still working to gain real legitimacy and influence, so most regional and international IGOs come only as aids to them in their efforts. Nongovernmental Organizations... - What is an NGO? A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political particpation through provision of information. (as according to ngo.org) - There are tons of NGOs associated with nationalist movements. When I followed this project, i found a countless amount associated with simply nationalism in general. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Red Cross, etc. haare all used as aids for gaining influence for nationalist movements. These organizations help the people of the movements significantly. These organizations work for the rights of the people, providing justice and peace for all who want to work with them. - NGOs have also provided a way to broadcast the issues occuring with nationalist movements. With the help of NGOs, many times their efforts can be broadcasted to the world based on the connections NGOs have already established. This helps substantiallyl with providing information for the world, so that all people can be educated on whats going on.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 05:17:32 +0000