Introduction
The nationalism approach believes that members of a nation should have power and sovereignty within their state; the technique encourages the interests and needs of a particular country. Countries have achieved unity by adopting various unique ways that made them powerful within their territories. For instance, in the new India, the complex moral philosophy of Swaraj enhanced their self-development abilities uniting the nation (Gandhi, 25). China’s great civilization and superiority also gave its nationalists some pride; however, this nationalism was negatively affected by internal and external factors. These factors include wars and disagreements with Western countries in recent centuries (Yat-Sen 10). China lost power to current sovereign nations such as British, America, French, and British. Historically, virtues and principles of nationalism have had significant impacts in different countries, including China, by enhancing their military power, political autonomy, improved self-sufficiency, and national identity.
Discussion
Nationalism enhances the building of the state’s military power by enhancing policies that ensure the adoption of better procedures. It ensures that individuals are loyal and patriotic to their country through the intense belief in the benefits of the virtues of their state, which allows them to place the country’s interest over those of their own (Mazower 123). With great loyalty, more citizens will have the will to participate in the military to defend the country, building sufficient military power. Nationalism also fosters the supremacy mentality, which significantly impacts the nation’s confidence. It also increases the willingness of military soldiers to sacrifice themselves and kill during wars (Yat-Sen 125). Countries like China did not attain their former position without commitment; they began their successful journey by increasing their military power and developing better forms of culture. In their former position, Chinese culture and abilities were superior to those of the West; for instance, their invention of the compass has been of help to date. This could not have been possible without the robust nature of their ancient powers (Lippmann 142). These ancient powers’ resulted from the adoption of proper standards and shared culture.
Nationalism virtues such as justice, unity, and togetherness are essential in strengthening countries through enhanced political autonomy. It allows countries to overcome minimal political coercion and restrictions that could otherwise limit the implementation of full political power. With political power, leaders can make essential decisions that benefit the country. However, limited power does not meet the opinions of many citizens (Mazower 314). Political autonomy strengthens a country by developing objectives and devising political means of their achievement.
Nationalism creates strong countries through self-sufficiency; this refers to the autarky approaches that apply to communities, nations, states, and the country’s economic system. Many states have adopted sufficiency to embrace vast political ideologies and strategies. Self-sufficiency enables a country to develop an alternative economic model to control materials against specific views of hostile parties. (Gandhi 142). The nationalist movement has embraced autarky to preserve existing or create new social order within a given sector. Self-sufficiency is a product of protected territory to avoid any form of entanglement or any form of economic infringement. While territory protection applies during public policy instances, nationalism assumes that life outside the state territories differs from that within. Therefore, sufficiency achieved through adequate resources enhances countries to develop strengths and increases stability within the internal territories.
Nationalism builds a national identity and unity within states, enhancing cooperation and strengthening them. The primary objective of nationalists is to create a single national identity by combining different shared elements such as language, political beliefs, and religion. This allows nations to foster their indigenous culture and connect individuals to their traditional beliefs. Gandhi asserts that humanness within a nation is impossible without intention, charity, humility, and discrimination that can propel unity. (Gandhi 294). National identity develops individual pride linked to the country’s success in different aspects. It also encourages individuals to get better opportunities and work harder to build the nation (Lippmann 331). If countries like China adopt their previous position by nurturing their culture and moral standards among their citizens, it will achieve national unity and restore its initial strength.
Various principles, including culture, customs, habits, territory, and common religion, play a significant role in governing nationalism. Culture refers to shared beliefs and practices that aim to revive a lost culture of a given nationality (Wilson). It is more inclined toward national development and cultivation. Nationalists strongly believe in a shared culture whose primary goal is to push the state to achieve political autonomy concerning attaining national identity, which is equivalent to state doctrine (Yat-Sen 5). Although religion may differ among individuals, most countries, such as India, utilize relative rule to determine the best cause of action (Gandhi 307). Another principle is shared religion; individuals who share the same god or ancestors are likely to develop into one race. For instance, the kingdom of Judea perished ages ago, but Jewish people still exist; this indicates the robust nature of religion in the creation and development of races.
The third principle of nationalism is shared customs and habits. When practices and habits characterize individuals, they can eventually unite to create one race. Some of these habits may include common language, rituals, and mannerisms, such as the Mongolian nomadic habits, which led to the creation of a strong race (Yat-Sen 13). In some nation-states, customs may include adopting written laws as the principal medium of political communication. Individual livelihoods form an essential principle of nationalism; in situations where individuals obtain similar livelihoods, they are likely to develop one race. Conversely, where their means vary, the races will be different. Lastly, the formation of territories is an essential nationalist element; while the development of nationalities differs from that of a race, they are all a by-product of nationalism force (Lippmann 7). Mapping territories eliminates confusion that could emerge due to differences between countries, enhancing their ability to nurture their power.
Conclusion
Overall, Nationalism is a movement that believes in the phenomenon that members of a nation should be superior within its borders. It has different principles, including; culture, customs, territory, habits, and shared religion. Culture refers to shared beliefs and practices that aim to revive a lost culture of a given nationality. It is more inclined toward national development and cultivation. Another principle is shared religion; individuals who share the same god or ancestors are likely to develop into one race. Nationalism virtues such as unity, justice, and togetherness are essential in strengthening countries through enhanced political autonomy, unity, and self-sufficiency. Political autonomy strengthens a country by developing objectives that can be achieved through political means, such as providing sufficient commodities to the public (Lippmann, 10). It ensures that individuals are loyal and patriotic to their country through the intense belief in the benefits of the virtues of their state, which allows them to place the country’s interest over those of their own.
Works Cited
Gandhi, M. K. The Power of Non-Violent Resistance. Courier Corporation, 2001.
Lippmann, Walter. Public Opinion. Courier Corporation, 2004.
Mazower, Mark. Governing the World: The History of an Idea, 1815 to the Present. Penguin, 2013.
Wilson, Woodrow. “Fourteen points speech.” Delivered on January 8 (1918). Web.
Yat-sen. San Min Chu i: The Three Principles of the People. 1925.