Possible Questions
To what extent is Nationalism more united than divided?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about human nature?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about the economy?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about society?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about individual freedom?
To what extent is Nationalism united in its view of the state?
To what extent does Nationalism have a common view of the nation?
To what extent is Nationalism expansionist?
Essay Plans
To what extent is Nationalism more united than divided?
Point 1: The Nation as the Primary Unit
Agreement: All nationalists agree that the nation is the sole legitimate unit of political rule.
They share a belief in self-determination and that the "nation-state" is the ideal model for
governance. (Thinker: Mazzini – the world should be divided into nations).
+1
Counter: They disagree on what defines a nation. Liberal nationalists (Rousseau) argue for
a civic definition based on shared values and consent. Conservative/Integral nationalists
(Maurras) argue for an ethnic/organic definition based on "blood and soil."
Mini-conclusion: While they agree on the importance of the nation, the definition of who
"belongs" creates a fundamental divide between inclusive and exclusive nationalism.
Point 2: Political Sovereignty
Agreement: All nationalists reject external rule (colonialism or supranationalism like the
EU). They believe the "volonté générale" (general will) should be expressed within the
nation.
Counter: Expansionist nationalists believe some nations are superior and have the right to
dominate others (chauvinism), whereas Liberal nationalists believe in a world of equal,
independent nation-states.
, Mini-conclusion: The agreement on sovereignty is undermined by the fact that some
nationalists respect the sovereignty of all nations, while others only respect their own.
Point 3: Cultural Identity
Agreement: Nationalists agree that a sense of belonging and shared culture is essential for
social cohesion.(Thinker: Herder – Volksgeist or the unique spirit of a people).
Counter: Post-colonial nationalists (Garvey) focus on forging a new identity to overthrow
oppression, while Conservative nationalists focus on using shared culture to maintain
tradition and social order.
Mini-conclusion: All see culture as the "glue" of the state, but they use that glue for different
ends: liberation vs. social control.
To what extent does Nationalism agree about human nature?
Point 1: Humans as Social Animals
Agreement: All nationalists reject the extreme individualist view of classical liberalism.
They believe humans are naturally social and find their identity/meaning through
membership in a nation.
Counter: Liberal nationalists (Rousseau) believe humans are rational and can "choose"
their national identity through a social contract. Conservative nationalists see human nature
as more emotional and security-seeking, drawn to the "familiar" and the past.
Mini-conclusion: While all agree that the nation fulfills a human need for belonging, they
disagree on whether that belonging is a rational choice or a primordial instinct.
Point 2: The Priority of the Nation
Agreement: Nationalists agree that human potential is best realized within the context of the
nation. One’s primary loyalty should be to the national community.
To what extent is Nationalism more united than divided?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about human nature?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about the economy?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about society?
To what extent does Nationalism agree about individual freedom?
To what extent is Nationalism united in its view of the state?
To what extent does Nationalism have a common view of the nation?
To what extent is Nationalism expansionist?
Essay Plans
To what extent is Nationalism more united than divided?
Point 1: The Nation as the Primary Unit
Agreement: All nationalists agree that the nation is the sole legitimate unit of political rule.
They share a belief in self-determination and that the "nation-state" is the ideal model for
governance. (Thinker: Mazzini – the world should be divided into nations).
+1
Counter: They disagree on what defines a nation. Liberal nationalists (Rousseau) argue for
a civic definition based on shared values and consent. Conservative/Integral nationalists
(Maurras) argue for an ethnic/organic definition based on "blood and soil."
Mini-conclusion: While they agree on the importance of the nation, the definition of who
"belongs" creates a fundamental divide between inclusive and exclusive nationalism.
Point 2: Political Sovereignty
Agreement: All nationalists reject external rule (colonialism or supranationalism like the
EU). They believe the "volonté générale" (general will) should be expressed within the
nation.
Counter: Expansionist nationalists believe some nations are superior and have the right to
dominate others (chauvinism), whereas Liberal nationalists believe in a world of equal,
independent nation-states.
, Mini-conclusion: The agreement on sovereignty is undermined by the fact that some
nationalists respect the sovereignty of all nations, while others only respect their own.
Point 3: Cultural Identity
Agreement: Nationalists agree that a sense of belonging and shared culture is essential for
social cohesion.(Thinker: Herder – Volksgeist or the unique spirit of a people).
Counter: Post-colonial nationalists (Garvey) focus on forging a new identity to overthrow
oppression, while Conservative nationalists focus on using shared culture to maintain
tradition and social order.
Mini-conclusion: All see culture as the "glue" of the state, but they use that glue for different
ends: liberation vs. social control.
To what extent does Nationalism agree about human nature?
Point 1: Humans as Social Animals
Agreement: All nationalists reject the extreme individualist view of classical liberalism.
They believe humans are naturally social and find their identity/meaning through
membership in a nation.
Counter: Liberal nationalists (Rousseau) believe humans are rational and can "choose"
their national identity through a social contract. Conservative nationalists see human nature
as more emotional and security-seeking, drawn to the "familiar" and the past.
Mini-conclusion: While all agree that the nation fulfills a human need for belonging, they
disagree on whether that belonging is a rational choice or a primordial instinct.
Point 2: The Priority of the Nation
Agreement: Nationalists agree that human potential is best realized within the context of the
nation. One’s primary loyalty should be to the national community.
