Question

What would you say were the advantages and disadvantages of nationalism?

Answer 1

I believe that an advantage to the idea of nationalism is the concrete, established national identity that unites people in a particular area. It emphasizes patriotism and self-determination, which can be empowering concepts for the individual to possess in his or her personal life. However, an unfortunate disadvantage to nationalism is its vulnerability to radical ideas. An extremist ideology can easily rise from a nationalistic base and promote an exclusive identity of peoplehood. This, in turn, may lead to discrimination among members of a country who may not affiliate nationalistically. Simply put, refer back to historical examples of nationalism going too far (Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy).