Democracy Never Exist Without Nationalism2

7/29/2019 Democracy Never Exist Without Nationalism2

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Democracy Never exist without Nationalism

A notion that as a result of intensified globalization, nationalism and national

identity are pass trend, is very far away from reality. Post nationalism theorist

such Jrgen Habermas argued that there is a shift from nationalism to post

nationalism. According to Habermas and other post national theorist the shift iscaused by the development of new technology and communication.

Supranational integration such EU is also given as an additional reason for the

alleged shift. For Habermas European integration was to be more than simply

an administrative affairs. It is true that due to development of modern

communication, transportation and economic integration in post modern world,

people are much more connected than they do in previous era.

However, the perception held by deniers of identity politics that this new

phenomenon have made nationalism and national identity an archaic fact is

totally an exaggerated inference, if not a wishful thinking. In reality after the end

of the Cold-War the focal point of world history shifted from the struggle between

statist communism and capitalism to a new arena of nationalism. in this regard,

there are scholars who have compellingly argued that nationalism is not only

outlived against the odds of globalization, but also remained as indispensable

ingredient for establishment and sustenance of democratic society. Georgian

scholar Ghia Nodia is worth to be notated in this regard. Nodia assert that

democracy never exist without nationalism by providing reason to substantiate

his claims. According to him the core of democracy is based on popular

sovereignty which directly linked to nationalism. Democracy is always situated

within communities and hence does not arise from asocial condition. Nodia

commented that:

there is no record anywhere of free, unconnected, and calculating individuals

coming together spontaneously to form a democratic social contarct ex nihilo.

Whether we like it or not nationalism is a historical force that has provided the

political unit for democratic government

Thus, nationalism is and will remain a vital force that would play a pivotal role in

contemporary globalized world.

There are different scholars who have provided empirical and theoretical

evidences that attest to the above assertion of continued salience of nationalism

in post modern world. In his 2012 award winning essay titled Much Ado about

Nothing : The case of nationalism in Globalized World ,Joel Roy has also outlined

different empirical and theoretical argument that shows nationalism has been

reinforced by the prevailing globalization trend than otherwise.

In accordance to this essay, the perceived threat of uniformization by global

cultural dominance and identity-dilute, reinvigorated nationalism. He argued that

the perceived threat to nationalism and the forecasted demise of nation few

decades ago, motivated reactive type of nationalism and intensify consciousness

of people about their attachment and identification. The propensity of people toembark on protective measures to preserve their national identity, become


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stronger when they felt that their core identity and cultural uniqueness appear to

be jeopardized.

Another scholar(Manuel Castells) also pointed outs that a nation without state

have in fact been a lot more militant regarding their desire for independenceand/or increased autonomy in the last few decades. Attendant to this case,

Ernest Gellners plausible argument can be cited as additional theoretical

confirmation. Ernest Gellners argued that education is one of the main

transmission belt through which nationalist(awakeners) orientate the national

feeling of the whole population. Hence, the proliferation of new technology and

communication, which is given as factor to weaken nationalism and national

identity, would rather help it, since education and information can be wide

spread through these same new technology and communication. The expansion

of Oromo cultural costumes and musical clips in the last one decades is case in

point.

Manuel Castells also argued that the threat of cultural homogenization is

actually one of the factors that contributing to minority culture struggling to find

a fitting niche in global net.

Furthermore, evidence presented in the same essay that a supranational

integration such as EU has in fact reinvigorated nationalism in member state lest

they would lose their cultural specificity. Despite Habermass thesis that

supranational integration such as EU has shifted to post nationalism, the

extensive resurgence of nationalist parties in European union contradict the

alleged shift.

Liberal and pro-globalization thinker and renowned journalist Fareed Zakaria has

also argued that nationalism is rising in non-western countries as result of

economic growth. In his book titled Post American World, Fareed said, as

economic fortunes rise, so does nationalism by citing example from China. He

said

Imagine that you lived in a country that had been poor and unstable for

centuries. And then, finally things turn and your nation is one the rise. You would

be proud and anxious to be seen. This desire for recognition and respect is

surging throughout the world. It may seem paradoxical that globalization and

economic modernization are being breeding political nationalism, but that is so

only if we view nationalism as a backward ideology, certain to be erased by the

onward march of progress

In conclusion, in situation like ours(Oromo) where our people have been

marginalized for century and exposed to severe oppression, economic

exploitation and cultural subjugation, the argument that globalization would

make an Oromo nationalism obsolete is simply a self deception. Even if we give

the benefit of doubt for those who argue that globalization would underminenationalism, this cannot be the case in our circumstance. The reason is very


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clear. Those who have the opportunity to benefit from globalized economic

activity(this is a contested notion for developing country) are those who have

control over their own political and economic infrastructure. This means the

dominant group who have got control over their own and that of others political

and economic infrastructure are those who benefit from globalized economy and

therefore become powerful and prosperous. Consequently it will give them anadditional leverage to strengthen their repressive power and provide them with

enhanced means to exploit.

Therefore, such phenomenon, would further marginalize the already

marginalized nation like Oromo. As result the already enormous and infuriating

disparity would intensify the competition of dominant and oppressed nationalism

which in effect entail further repression. Hence, as long as the structural

violence and systemic problem in inherent to Ethiopian hegemonic state endures,

national self determination would remain legitimate demand for the oppressed

peoples in general and Oromo nation in particular.

Materials used

Much Ado About Nothing: The Case of Nationalism in a Globalized World

By Joel Roy, 2012, McGill University, Canada

Post American World: Fareed Zakaria 2008, New York , USA

Documents

Democracy Never Exist Without Nationalism2