Nationalism vs. Transnationalism
Today we learned about the concept of transnationalism which for the sake of argument can be summed up as a form of Religious Identity. We also talked about the ideal of Nationality. Both of which can be argued exist all over the world as we speak.
My question to you all is this: Which of these two is a more driving force? We have seen wars based on both of these ideals, but which do you think would drive more people to defend their beliefs? A faith and belief in their country, or is there a stronger will to fight for your beliefs based on your "Civilization"?
I am interested to hear what you all have to say.
4 Comments:
I think that there is opportunity in both options to start conflict. However, since I recently looked at Samual Huntingtons book today, a lot of what he has to say fits. I believe that more wars would tend to break out due to Huntington's theory of "Civilizations". If you look at what is going on in the world today most conflicts are happening within a countrys own borders, but all, or most of, these conflicts are religion based. In the future, as these wars become resolved, this defense will probably be directed toward other counties. I also think that in the future more and more wars will break out due to "Civilization" because of the economically growing eastern countries. In the future these countries are going to want to take over the west's position of economic power or at least compete with them.
After today's class, we now have to take into consideration this ideal of Continentalism. If we have multiple countries identifying themselves with each other as a continent (i.e. the E.U.) we have a whole new bag of worms on our hands.
Could this be the new trend?
I think that whether or not it will become a trend depends on the continued success of the EU. If the EU continues to gain power and success by means of being a united Europe. The more powerful the EU becomes, the more likely it is that other countries will consider following suit and uniting with other countries.
As far as people fighting for nationalism vs. religion/civilization, I think that history has proven that although nationalism can be a driving force, religion is much more powerful because people tend to have more conviction in their religious beliefs. It has held true many times in the past, and continues now with our Western civilization being attacked by fundamentalists that don't agree with our way of life.
If you're interested, here's a comment from the Dutch economic minister about the problems of the EU economy, compared to the US.
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