Nations and nationalism: historical origins and contemporary manifestations

Politics

The Nation

Based on the readings below, is the U.S. A nation? If so, what sort of nationalism ties us together? If not, why not?

Yes, the United States is most certainly a nation. It is, as Heywood defines, a political community, rather than a cultural community, although, I believe that early in its' history, the U.S. was more of a cultural community, drawn together as a new nation and a "deeper bond of national character" than we certainly see today. I believe this is true, and that the reason is also cited in the reading, that we are becoming more culturally diverse, and not all cultures and citizens share the same "objective components" that would make us a cultural community type of nation. I believe that we are a powerful political force, but that we would be even more powerful if we could recreate ourselves as a more cultural community oriented nation, rather than such a diverse group of people who are not always working toward the same common goals and good for all. Therefore, the U.S. is a nation, and a nation that is a political community, but is torn in its nationalism.

I think the U.S. is an unsettling blend of Conservative Nationalism and Expansionist Nationalism. The liberal view that humanity should be self-governing seems like the view the U.S. has, but in fact, that view actually does not support the ideas of states and separatism, but instead see a single, huge, global state, which seems unworkable and impractical. Instead, the U.S. is Conservative, in that the nation is inward looking, supports conservative ideals, and "embraces tradition and national ties." This is certainly true for a great part of the nation, and for the outlook of the government, as well. Combined with that, there is also an element of Expansionist Nationalism, especially in past aggressions in Korea, Vietnam, and now Iraq, and in the idea that war and conquest are the path to "national glory" and "national superiority." I think this is a frightening aspect of the United States as a nation, but that it exists and will continue to exist in the future. This also helps indicate the U.S. is indeed a nation and a nation with conflicting goals and ideals for many.

It is interesting that Heywood notes that in nations, there is a growing trend against nationalism and socialism toward religious fundamentalism. This is very clear in the Middle East, but it also seems to be taking place in the U.S. Just last week the national news reported there are a group of disgruntled Republicans who do not like the way the party is becoming more "liberal," and want to form a third, ultra-conservative, Christian Republican party. This seems to fly in the face of the Constitution, which clearly separates church and state, but it also seems to be a natural progression in nationalism as Heywood sees it.