The purpose of this paper is to examine modern nationalist movements. In order to do so, the concepts associated with nationalism need to be explained and discussed. Then and example of a current nationalist movement will be used as an illustration.
The model of nationalism begins with two different categories: patriotism, in which the idea is loyalty to the state, and nationalist movements, which demonstrate loyalty to one's own nation. To understand this, one must understand the difference between a nation and a state.
A state is made up of a politically defined territory ruled by a sovereign government. Most states also have a legally and internationally recognized military along with an economy and laws governing its people, which may be of multiple religious, social, and ethnic origins. A nation, on the other hand, is comprised of people with similar social characteristics. These may include a common language, religion, customs, or other attributes bringing a sense of community and difference from the rest of the state among its members. Unlike a state, a nation is not a sovereign entity. At best, a nation can be granted autonomy by the state over certain aspects of its existence, but is still considered part of the state and ultimately has to answer to the state. .
.
State control over a group of people who share community traits that are different from those of the state at large can lead to a feeling among the group's members that they are being oppressed, regardless of whether the oppression is real or perceived. This feeling of oppression can sometimes lead to a nationalist movement, in which the nation determines that its place in the state is no longer satisfactory and needs to change. The goal of most of these movements is an increase in self determination, or the nation's ability to determine its own laws and its own destiny.
There are two main ways a nation can obtain this increase in self determination.