Blood And Belonging: Journeys Into The New Nationalism Pdf
Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism is a book by Michael Ignatieff that explores the resurgence of nationalism in various parts of the world. The book was published in 1993 and has since become a classic in the field of political science. In this article, we will dive deep into the themes and ideas presented in Blood and Belonging and analyze their relevance to the current political climate in the United States.
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity, culture, and history. The idea of nationalism is that people who share a common identity, whether it be based on ethnicity, language, or religion, should have their own nation-state. This nation-state should have its own government that is accountable to the people living within its borders, and it should prioritize the interests of those people above all else.
Nationalism has been a powerful force throughout history, and it has been responsible for some of the most significant events in human history. For example, the French Revolution was fueled by the idea of nationalism, as was the unification of Germany in the 19th century.
Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism
In Blood and Belonging, Michael Ignatieff sets out to explore the resurgence of nationalism in various parts of the world as the Cold War was coming to a close. Ignatieff draws on his experiences of traveling to different countries, including Croatia, Quebec, Kurdistan, and Germany, to examine how different forms of nationalism were playing out in these regions.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled "The Balkan Express," and it focuses on the conflict in Yugoslavia. Ignatieff traveled to Croatia and Serbia to witness the effects of nationalism on the ground. He examines how the different nationalist factions in Yugoslavia were using culture, religion, and history to justify their claims to territory and power.
The second part of the book is entitled "The Rise of the New Nationalism," and it looks at nationalism in other parts of the world, including Quebec, Kurdistan, and Germany. Ignatieff examines how these nationalist movements are fueled by a combination of historical grievances, cultural identity, and economic factors. He also explores the impact of globalization on these movements and how they are responding to it.
Relevance to the United States
Although Blood and Belonging was published over 25 years ago, its themes and ideas are still relevant to the current political climate in the United States. Nationalism has been on the rise in the United States in recent years, and it has become a contentious issue in American politics.
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 was seen by many as a victory for American nationalism. Trump ran on a platform of "America First," which emphasized the importance of putting the interests of American citizens above all else. Trump's rhetoric often appealed to a sense of cultural and national identity, and he frequently attacked immigrants and other groups that he saw as a threat to American values and traditions.
The rise of nationalism in the United States has been fueled by a range of factors, including economic anxiety, cultural identity, and a sense of loss of national prestige. Many Americans feel that their country is being threatened by globalization, immigration, and other forces beyond their control. They see nationalism as a way to regain control and protect their interests.
Conclusion
Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism is a timely book that explores the resurgence of nationalism in various parts of the world. Michael Ignatieff's insights into the nature of nationalism and how it is playing out in different countries are still relevant today, as nationalism continues to be a powerful force in global politics. By understanding the causes and consequences of nationalism, we can work towards building a more peaceful and inclusive world.
