Nationalism
- Globalisation is the idea of global connections and global flows of people, ideas and goods, which effectively shrinks the world and produces borderless nations
- Over time, the relevance and power of countries becomes less, producing 'hyper-globalisation', with a 'one global village with global citizens' sharing an identity within the 'one world' and thereby, reducing conflict and improving opportunities
- However, globalisation and its pervasive nature has increased the sense of nationalism with many countries attempting to reassert a national identity and sever the interconnectedness of countries
- Brexit was a nationalist movement for the UK to leave the EU
- Building of the US/Mexico border wall
- Therefore, nationalism remains a powerful force and is strengthened via:
- Education
- Sport
- Political parties through emphasising loyalty to the 'institution' and 'ideals' of a nation state
Factors Used to Emphasise Nationalism
Factor | Implemented Via |
Education |
National Curriculum teaches Fundamental British Values (2014) of democracy, rule of law, respect, tolerance and individual liberty through citizenship, history and other subjects Contested values in terms of which national stories and symbols however, it does attempt to bring some cohesion to what is learnt |
Sport |
Serves as a national unifying force through Football and Rugby World cups or Winter and Summer Olympics etc. where flags, painted faces and traditional songs form part of the national sporting ritual However, the UK is unusual in that nationalism of sport is not solely on a unified nation, but fragmented into Welsh, English, Irish and Scottish nations |
Political |
Political parties use symbols such as the rose, lion, dragon, oak or union flag as part of their image, which appeal to particular national identities Not all people can or want to relate to these symbols, some even find them offensive and off-putting, particularly voters with international or European connections/outlook |
- For some, the idea of national identity is linked to sovereignty and view IGOs such as the World Bank, the UN, the EU and IMF, as having too much power and making unfair rules
- This is reinforced by political parties referring to 'taking back control' over the flow of laws, people and goods etc.
Exam Tip
Don't get bogged down on political views here, this is not the place to discuss politics or the rights and wrongs of political parties. Stay geographical in your responses.