More on Nationalism

The links below provide further readings by theorists Gellner and Andersen who have contributed greatly to the socio-anthropological understanding of the modern nation state.

http://www.nationalismproject.org/what/anderson.htm

http://www.nationalismproject.org/what/gellner2.htm

Q&A #4: Question One

One of my question's this week was whether or not the term itself patriotism was inherently morally complex or if the complications arise more in its application. At face value it seems that there is nothing wrong with the notion of having a special affection and sense of duty to one's nation, however what kind of policies and actions this sentiment is used to defend is where issues seem to arise. I can have pride in my nation and believe that I have an obligation to contribute to it, but when I use the term patriotism to defend an unwavering and unquestioned support my nation's military intervention in foreign nations, the term has taken on more than it's textbook definition. As we discussed briefly on Monday internationalist sympathies were combined with American nationalism to defend military intervention in many parts of the world, the most recent examples would obviously be in the Middle East in Iraq and Afghanistan. Again I do believe it is compatible to be a patriot and an internationalist, but it seems that political interests attach meanings and obligations that are not inherently a part of what it means to love one's nation.