What is the Meaning & Definition of nationalism
We understand for nationalism to that ideology which puts as a center of interest and attention to the nation. The nation is this current understood not only as a geographical space but also, and especially, the set of traditions, stories, identity forming character and the idiosyncrasies of a particular people. Nationalism is based on strong feelings of pride and love for what is understood as the "homeland", and may be the same a very small space or a very large territory. Although nationalism as sentiment for the defence of the territory in which one lives can be traced long ago in different parts of the world, when we speak of nationalism as an ideology or current of thought should point out end of the 18th century and 19th century as moments of birth of the same. To a large extent nationalism tends to link with the events from the French Revolution of 1789, made historic aroused a clear cry for the national sovereignty of the French people. At the same time, with the military advances of Napoleon on other territories in Europe, nationalism also became an important phenomenon in territories seeking to defend themselves from such invasions. In the case of other regions such as Latin America and United States, nationalism has much to do with the periods of formation of national States and the need to build a significant official history.
Nationalism is clearly based on the idea of the nation as a geopolitical, social and cultural entity than any Government or State. There is no ruler or political representative which is superior to it and it is always she who must be respected and glorified in the historical deeds, in the traditions, symbols. Nationalism is based on obviously the geographic definition of a territory (which can be altered from wars or conquests that tend to enhance that feeling of the lost territories), but is especially constructed around the notion of the way population and formed part of that territory. Thus, nationalism not only rescues the geographical space but the identity of the same population has developed throughout history.
It is here where the nationalism comes in a thin line between national pride and xenophobia. This is so due to the fact that in many situations, a strong nationalism that is based on the permanent enhancement of this homeland is at the same time contempt, fear or violence towards everything that falls outside of the national idea. Today, nationalism is a very common phenomenon due to the importance that has taken globalization to planetary level, which means the loss of distinct cultures and borders. Nationalism arises in this sense as a counter-proposal.
Nationalism is clearly based on the idea of the nation as a geopolitical, social and cultural entity than any Government or State. There is no ruler or political representative which is superior to it and it is always she who must be respected and glorified in the historical deeds, in the traditions, symbols. Nationalism is based on obviously the geographic definition of a territory (which can be altered from wars or conquests that tend to enhance that feeling of the lost territories), but is especially constructed around the notion of the way population and formed part of that territory. Thus, nationalism not only rescues the geographical space but the identity of the same population has developed throughout history.
It is here where the nationalism comes in a thin line between national pride and xenophobia. This is so due to the fact that in many situations, a strong nationalism that is based on the permanent enhancement of this homeland is at the same time contempt, fear or violence towards everything that falls outside of the national idea. Today, nationalism is a very common phenomenon due to the importance that has taken globalization to planetary level, which means the loss of distinct cultures and borders. Nationalism arises in this sense as a counter-proposal.