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What are the pros and cons of nationalism? This is a hot topic for debate among international scholars, and everyone has their own views. Depending on your view of the importance of your nation, nationalism is either essential or the biggest threat to democracy and freedom.
Therefore, today, we bring you the pros and cons of nationalism. So you can better understand this style of society and culture.
By definition, nationalism means the identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests above everything else.
So what does nationalism do? Nationalism promotes a nation’s self-interest. It sets policies that strengthen the domestic groups that own the factors of production. For many nationalism also means keeping anyone else out and possibly even persecuting those with different ideas than the norm for the culture of your country.
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Pros and Cons Of Nationalism
1. Pros Of Nationalism- It Develops Infrastructure
One noticeable advantage of nationalism among the pros and cons of nationalism is that it builds the infrastructure of a nation. There are so many projects underway for the reliable and world-class infrastructure which are being headed by the government.
2. Pros Of Nationalism- Brings Endless Job Opportunities
Likewise Globalization, nationalism also bring endless job opportunities. People get an inspiration to do more and succeed in their lives. They can move from place to place and settle where ever they deem correct for pursuing their careers and dreams.
Here, The American dream is an example of nationalism. The idea that someone can come to the US from anywhere and pursue their version of happiness or achieve what they want is the outcome of nationalism. Therefore, this benefit of nationalism stands as the most authentic one among the pros and cons of nationalism.
3. Pros and Cons Of Nationalism-It Gives Strength To A Nation
Nationalism gives the nations an abundant impression of strength on international platforms. Therefore, A country can be as strong as it can be as a community if it has a strong sense of nationalism.
For instance, the US has a strong sense of nationalism as it performs with adequate strength and knowledge of the issue on international platforms.
4. Pros and Cons Of Nationalism- Patriotism
Everyone agrees to the patriotic element of nationalism without any argument. Why? Because it develops unity when ethnic groups find one common factor among themselves. That makes them stand as one for the country which is most desirable for the representation on international platforms.
For instance, The US stands as one on every international soapbox. That means it has different identities existing, but they can merge into one when there is a need to do that. Plus, this develops more love of the country in their hearts.
5. Sense Of Duty To The Nation
Arguably one of the most positive benefits among the pros and cons of nationalism is the sense of duty. That means that If the rights of the nation spring from its obligations, then people need to fulfill them as well. And above all, this aspect fortifies the courageous element of the nation.
Therefore, it is correct to say that nationalism brings along a sense of duty with itself.
6. Emphasizes Justice and Rule of Law
Nationalism brings about the rule of law and fair justice in the country. How? With the development of reliable infrastructure and a sense of duty prevalent in a state, the rule of law becomes imminent.
Therefore, this is one of the most significant benefits among the pros and cons of nationalism.
Cons of Nationalism- Pros And Cons Of Nationalism
1. It Leads To Isolation
The biggest disadvantage of nationalism is that it can lead a state to isolation. That happens because the nation only revolves around its glory and importance. It forgets to highlight so many other issues in other countries of the world.
For instance, treaties can become more challenging to form, and it can become difficult to create a reliable import/export market.
2. A Rise in Socio-economic Clans
The scholars against nationalism say that it can give a rise in the birth of different socio-economic sects. Why? Because as much as this concept brings a nation together, it can also divide it.
It can create separation among people based on the labels they create on their own. Therefore, it is a dangerous aspect of nationalism when one analyses the pros and cons of nationalism.
3. Pros And Cons Of Nationalism – It can Lead To War
When two nations clash in their ideas, both will feel that they are right, and the other is wrong. If either thinks like their values are under attack, then nationalism can lead to war. Therefore, it also poses a threat to security when we analyze the pros and cons of nationalism.
4. Pros and cons Of Nationalism- Develops Prejudice
An extreme sense of nationalism can give rise to prejudice and hatred for other nations. One can insult and hurt different nationalities. It also leads to intolerance and hatred for other communities.
For instance, people hate each other due to their religion and other propaganda. They become aggressive due to their extreme views about their faith. That’s why many social scientists regard nationalism as a negative aspect of society.
5. The majority and Minority Concerns
Nationalism brings out the majority and minority differences on the surface. Many problems occur as a result of majority and minority issues.
For instance, the Muslims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India to give proper rights. The government of India has failed to provide its people with standard life necessities. Similarly, Christians in the Middle East find themselves struggling to get a good life. Why? Because the majority rues out there.
Therefore, the difference between majority and minority is the biggest con of nationalism.
6. Pros and Cons of Nationalism- Abuse Of Power
Nationalism leads to abuses of power. Hence there would be no accountability or any justice in the nation. If there is a history of violence in the country, then nationalism will be negative.
For instance, In Vietnam, there exists a history of war and violence. Therefore, nationalism results in abuse of power and other rights over there.
Young democracies are also at a higher risk of violent nationalism. In these states, ambitious leaders might pursue risky strategies — such as to boost immature patriotism of their people for their motives. Nationalism also leads to racism and xenophobia.
According to Prof. Morgenthau, “After the integration of several states, minorities are absorbed, and the majority rules over other nationalities. Afterward, the unit becomes a hub of racial conflicts. Why? Because Russia was dominant of all the 15 states of the former USSR. The land in USSR demanded to be independent because they wanted their identification.“
7. Cons Of Nationalism- Exercise Of Supreme Power
The most dangerous aspect of nationalism among its pros and cons is that it brings in the exercise of supreme power. For instance, at the beginning of the 20th century, Hitler of Germany used his supreme skills against the whole world. Why? Because he wanted to satisfy his nationalistic needs.
However, the important thing about these forms of nationalism is how rare and infrequent they are. If we provide a few cases as proof that nationalism is always harmful that will confuse the exception with the rule. Most developed strains of nationalism do not promote aggression or the abuse of minorities within their borders. That is because contemporary nations are usually missing these other, high-risk conditions.
They exist in a world where war is expensive, borders are large, and the actions of nations usually abide by some moral code. As a result, nationalism today often leads citizens to look inward and focus their energies destroying other countries.
How To Eliminate The Cons Of Nationalism?
If social science wants to gain relevance today, it must help derive policies that make the most of a country’s assets. With nationalism, this is not happening. What’s worse, instead of seeing its potential for progress, scholars widely regard nationalism as an ill.
To be sure, the deep relationships outlined here ought to be further divided.
Perhaps nationalism does not matter much when we account for a host of other factors, such as educational advantages and natural resources. A debate could be about whether nationalism is helpful or utterly harmless. Regardless of the frequency of the pros and cons of nationalism.
At the very least, we must move past the concept that nationalism is only dangerous. The pros among the pros and cons of nationalism can be more in number if the country sets down an equal set of rules for everyone. Nationalism in limited doses is patriotism, which can be a great thing. We simply need to work to curb the excesses of nationalism.
A country can promote the positive aspects of nationalism by following these guidelines
- Distribution of equivalent goods and commodities among all the different communities.
- Equal rights for minorities.
- Freedom to practice all the religions and not provoke any sensitive issue regarding beliefs.
- Equal Job Opportunities for everyone.
- Effective policies regarding youth’s skill and development
- Revision of trade treaties and others to reach maximum sustainable development goals.
- Enforce the just and fair working of the Media in the country.
These guidelines are the recommendations by Prof Morgenthau, and he believes that if a state works on these for the long term then there will be fewer disadvantages of nationalism on board.
However, the cons will remain, but the overall effect can be curbed. Social Scientists are hopeful that they will get a better picture of nationalism if they get the correct implications of these strategies.
FAQs on Pros And Cons Of Nationalism:
What is nationalism?
Nationalism is a way of think that your own country is better than other countries and sometimes it will not let you work with other nations.
What are the main causes of nationalism?
There are two main causes of nationalism. One is introduced by political parties, exploiting the people’s frustration against the government. and other is exploiting religious differences for political gains.
What are the upsides of nationalism?
Pros of nationalism include the building of the infrastructure and bring jobs to the country, give strength to the nation, and emphasizes justice.
What are some downsides of Nationalism?
Cons of nationalism are the following. It causes the isolation of a nation, rises to socio-economic clans, create majority & minority concerns and can lead to the war.
Conclusion – What Are the Pros and Cons of Nationalism:
So, what are your own views about the advantages and disadvantages of Nationalism? Share them with us in the comments section below.
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