The Paradox of Nationalism
Nationalism: a Paradox The nineteenth century world witnessed a turmoil of human emotions. Showing love for one’s own country and keeping it above every other interest became a way of life for people. Soon, it engulfed big European nations like France, Italy, Germany, UK etc. and later in the coming century took the entire world in its purview. Sociologists coined a new term Nationalism to explain this vast phenomenon. This strong feeling of patriotism, allegiance and loyalty to one’s country promoted unity and brought people together across class, colour, creed and gender. French Revolution paved a way for a new thinking and showed the world the power of unity of common people. The concept of sovereignty for a nation soon became a strong pillar for building neo-nations and democracy. Although, philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire, whose ideas influenced the French Revolution, had themselves been influenced by the earlier constitutionalist liberation...