How People Use Nationalism to Advance their Political Ideals

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How People Use Nationalism to Advance their Political Ideals
Introduction
Since the beginning of the 19th century, nationalism has been a key pillar in addressing the affairs of nations in the world, including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the African continent. It has channeled powerful leaders, led to social and political movements, and has served as a dominant cultural force in the world for the past centuries. Nationalism and patriotism, however, present several differences based on their nature, but they are related to some extent. Nationalism can be identified by the fact that it seeks to gain and maintain self-governance and promotes the achievement of absolute power and authority in a given country. It helps countries develop a sense of identity based on the cultures, belief systems, race, religion and the common origin. Culture is, therefore protected through nationalism and it clearly expresses individual’s love for their country and the achievements made on a national level. Though there exist varying definitions of nationalism, the main definition is linked to the origin of the word which naturally appears within the societal framework. Secondly, nationalism is expected to undergo different changes and the fact that it depends on the evolution of several factors to create relevant impact in the society. It is however, unfortunate that most leaders in the world today use nationalism to promote their personal interests at the expense of the lives of the citizens.[Norton, Jane., et al. A people and a nation, volume 1: to 1877.Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2015, p.239] [Heywood, Andrew. Political ideologies: An introduction (5th ed). Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan, 2012, p.172]
Nationalists believe that the country’s priority on spending should be focused on the development and advancement of the resources, first before they focus on anything else. The existence of nationality largely depends on the state combining its own identity with its function in the society. For instance, when the boundaries of a certain nation are maintained, the nation alienates itself from the rest and can easily control the happenings within and without the state. The incorporation of the different cultural facets largely contributes to the position of the nation at large.[Ogbeidi, Michael. Political leadership and corruption in Nigeria since 1960: A socio-economic analysis. Journal of Nigeria Studies, 1(2012)2:3-25]
In the early 19th century, most states gained independence and they put in place boundaries that set them apart from other nations and created a state of self-sufficiency. The evolution of nationality is witnessed in the several changes that have happened in most countries all over the world after they acquired a sense of independence. The leaders in Europe for, instance, used nationalism to pursue their own political ideas. They rallied people against the Napoleon kind of leadership, and in the process, acquired power to fuel their own needs and desires. They made people believe that they had a share in the warfare by enrolling them into the military to fight for the government. The end of this era saw the establishment of the Europea...