Nationality and Nationalism

Author: (English) Gellner
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: In a general sense, the concepts of ethnicity and nationalism are not complex, but from an ideological perspective, they are not simple. "Nationalism" is a complex yet clear term. Sometimes, it refers to an ideology; at other times, it refers to a historical moment, a local theory, or an attitude or behavior, the extreme development of which. In this context, the term carries a derogatory connotation. In reality, although nationalism is multifaceted, clarifying its meaning is not difficult. The term "ethnicity," however, is different. As a factual existence, ethnicity is self-evident, but this very fact encompasses a wide range of complexities and is often ambiguous and mysterious. On the surface, it may seem straightforward, but once examined against the facts, the issues arise. The purpose of this book is neither to sympathize with these victims nor to sympathize with their unfortunate disputes. If it takes years of serious research to imagine the dangers of nationalism, it would be a dangerous thing for everyone. The violence and concerns generated by nationalism are evident.