This political study will define the reemergence of nationalism due to the failed economic policies of globalization in the Brexit EU Vote. The Brexit Vote defines the lack of economic security promised by the European Union, which had dominated much of Britain‘s global objectives in the world economy. However, the problematic banking issues of the European Central bank (ECB) and the bankruptcy of certain nation states, such as Ireland, Greece, and Portugal, have inspired a new nationalist movement in England to leave the EU. The Brexit Vote, held on June 23rd, 2016, defined a powerful collective process in which 51.9% of the votes decided to lave the EU. This decision was primarily based on reclaiming British nationalism to regain …show more content…
These political trends reveal the underlying trend in nationalism as part of the growing problem of economic inequality, which was devastating the British economy for the greater masses of working people. The lack of resolution for the economic recession brought about a public reaction to policies related to nationalistic objectives, which were dominated by populist sentiment: “At a time when so many Europeans are faced with unemployment, uncertainty and growing inequality” (200). Certainly, the vote for Brexit defines the underlying re-reemergence of nationalism as a political option in the opposition of failed EU economic policies.
The Brexit Vote also defined a complex new set of nationalist principles, which were based on the “turning back the clock” of racial identity in the pre-EU global order. For instance, the re-emergence of nationalism was also being defined by a the Anglo-Saxon “purity” of cultural and racial traditions, which undermined the tensions behind the Brexit Vote. In this manner, the perception of job losses in England also exacerbated racial tensions in relation to the immigration crisis across Europe. Many British citizens felt that a lack of regulatory process in EU immigration policy threatened their job security due to the lower wages being paid for immigrant worker:
But others suggest it was really a cultural divide that was revealed, rather than an economic one. Another popular explanation for the mass support for Leave
Nationalism, a political or social philosophy in which the prosperity of a nation-state as an existence is considered supreme or more important than anything else. The primary duty and loyalty should be toward the nation-state. The love for one's country often reflected dominance and power as people were able to unite toward common good. Furthermore, republic governments were reestablished a result of Nationalism.
Nationalism can be traced to the nineteenth century, European peoples came to identify strongly with communities they called nations. Members of a nation considered themselves a distinctive people that spoke a common language, observed common customs, inherited common cultural conditions, held common values, and shared common
Nationalism has been extremely important and influential in shaping the modern world we see today, causing revolutions, rebellions and the constant reshaping of world maps continuing even today. Its appeal is something that I don’t believe will diminish in the future. Many theologians and political commentators alike agree that Nationalism has perhaps been one of the most prominent political ideologies of the modern world “No single political doctrine has played a more prominent role in shaping the face of the modern world than nationalism” 1, and doesn’t look like ceasing to be as influential anytime
Nationalism is a powerful force that can unite people working towards a common goal, but when it is taken to the extreme it can cause major disharmony in society, evident in the numerous genocides during the Age of Imperialism, the Fascist party's rise to power, and the Japanese’s unwillingness to surrender during World War II. Nationalism is dangerous, because it warps the minds of the individuals in the organization, creates prejudice and discrimination, and can be easily manipulated into a weapon against humanity.
Nationalism is a sense of strong pride and loyalty of ones nation over other nations. This is different from past
Nationalism has played a crucial role in world history over the past centuries. It continues to do so today. For many, nationalism is indelibly associated with some of the worst aspects of modern history, such as the destructive confidence of the Napoleon’s army and the murderous pride of Nazi Germany. Large numbers of people, descent in their hearts, have carried out unbelievable atrocities for no better reason than their nation required them to. Authoritarian and totalitarian regime have crushed dissent, eliminated opposition, and trampled on civil liberties in the name of the nation.
In terms of themes that caused changes in history, there is little than can compare to the raw pressure exerted by nationalism on the course of history. This evolving dialectic was able to change the very political, social, and economic landscape of Europe. It was able to topple centuries old social and political paradigms while simultaneously building new hierarchies. Moreover, nationalism was able to adapt to changing economic conditions as the European continent adjusted to ever changing technology and new methods of production. As a consequence, nationalism created new political systems as old regimes were dismantled and new ones arose to take their place. Quite understandably, this complex milieu was approached by historians, regardless of the period that they wrote about, using different yet distinct methods. For instance, some historians sought to demonstrate the role of nationalism by exploring the effects of cultural diffusion on European populations. Others sought to explore nationalism in terms of a reactionary force to traumatic events, or to be more specific perceived traumatic events. Likewise, some historians sought to explore the impacts of nationalism as a phenomenon influenced by the actions of the individual.
Nationalism is a widely debated ideology that differs based on the historian’s definition. For example, Benedict Anderson attempts to define nationalism as "an imagined political community [that is] imagined as both inherently limited and sovereign"(Anderson, pg 6). Anderson also believes the main causes of nationalism can be
Immigration became a significant part of society in the post-war period, it redefined the public’s perception regarding culture and attitudes in society. Despite this, it is worth noting that immigration was not a new phenomenon in 1945. Britain had welcomed refugees in the past, notably the Irish who became one of the largest groups throughout the 20th century. Many Europeans also sought refuge in Britain, for example German refugees who fled to Britain in 1930 ; Peter Fryer notes on the existing black community in Britain since the 16th century. However, the level of immigration after 1945 was enough to redefine British culture and created an exclusive national identity by where ‘Britishness’ is now recognised through the colour of your skin. Race as a concept has also transformed, with culture being a major element in British society. Politics has also had a major influence, with the introduction of immigration laws bringing equality among Britain’s citizens, although this could highlight the opinions of the public with the need for legislation to be introduced. The economy thrived with immigration, noting on the Windrush which allowed the empty gaps in employment to be filled. However, despite the progress that has been made due to immigration, the reaction of the people wasn’t always as positive, subsequently leading to racial tensions and a lack of respect among the people for immigration. These aspects are very significant when discussing the development of
Nationalism has become one of the most powerful uniting-and occasionally separating-powers of the modern age. Throughout history, there were numerous countries that exemplified both sides of this classic European belief. However, as time has passed, this pride and promotion of one’s country has developed far beyond the scope of Europe. Nationalist feelings fester in all parts of the globe now, and with that comes more complicated expressions of the sentiment, as well as carefully crafted governments that exist for the sole support of nationalist fervor.
Before a discourse of the specified topic can be laid out, definitions of a few terms must be distinguished. Firstly, nationalism and patriotism are two distinctly different concepts that are often used interchangeably to represent a similar school of thought. By no means, are they mutually exclusive or unrelated ideologies, but nationalism and patriotism differ in their approaches to expressing love for one’s country, respectively. These definitions can be best understood on the shoulders of essayist and drama critic, Sydney J. Harris, “The Difference Between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility while the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to a war (Harris, 1953).” While the latter definition may be a bit extreme, the general impression is still applicable. An understanding of the dichotomy between nationalism and patriotism, and how
O’Leary (1997) argues that nationalism is the most significant form of political legitimacy in the modern world, as well as an astute component of modernity. According to O’Leary, nationalism is a principle that holds a nation to be institutionally expressed freely and collectively under the rule of its own co-nationals. However, not all share the views of O’Leary, with sections associating nationalism with regression as opposed to progression with regards to international relations. For instance, Anastasiou (2007) explains that Westerners and educated elites consider nationalism, both as a regressive force and as exclusivist in its nature, which demands reshaping of the future. Dione (2012) expresses arguably similar concerns by asking whether the new nationalism - which reduced the dominance of the West and facilitated
The political and social conditions of Europe before the onset of the World War I were extremely unstable and undergoing a rapid transition that was driven by national interests of different nations living in the region. Nationalism was endorsed to promote patriotism among masses and to achieve political objectives that were in alignment with the national or political interests of countries. As the time passed, the growing influence of imperialism and the ideology of nationalism manifested multifaceted
As I stated earlier Economic issues served as the disturbance that prompted the beginning of neo nationalism. These problems however, are referring to the economic crisis of 2008 and more specifically the Euro debt crisis of 2008. The debt crisis was due to states with-in Union borrowing more from fellow members then they could pay back such as Spain and Greece. However when the economic crisis it the EU only made it worse through its response such as “forcing member states to undertake structural reforms including dismantling of the welfare state, dismantling of labor rights and a reduction in social spending”.(Branford, 2016) Citizens now began to turn against the EU for its handling of the debt crisis and looked for some one to help lead them out. This is what helped lead to the growth of Populist leaders such as Marie Le Pen, Gert Wilders and Nikola
However, nationalism does not have one single definition, its meaning has evolved as society changes and modernises. Nationalism can “...refer to any behaviour designed to restore, maintain, or advance public images of that national community” (Gries, 2005:9). By the mid-1960s there were two main proposals to understanding nationalism. “In the first, nationalism was an aspect of national history, a sentiment associated with the nation...In the second approach, nationalism was a modern, irrational doctrine which could acquire sufficient power...to generate nationalists sentiments and even nation states” (Gellner, 2008:xx). Nationalism is defined differently by different schools of thought and theorists.