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To what extent is nationalism expansionist? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 7
To what extent is nationalism expansionist? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent is nationalism expansionist? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points of Agreement
Answer
Some forms of nationalism are indeed expansionist. One evident example is Chauvinistic nationalism, which believes in the superiority of one's nation over others. Thinkers like Maurras argue that expansionist nationalism denies the rights of other nations to sovereignty and independence.
Furthermore, expansionist nationalism seeks to impose its own identity over others, leading to conflict as nations vie for dominance. This can be seen in the pursuit of land and resources, illustrating how nationalism can fuel imperialism.
Step 2
Points of Disagreement
Answer
However, not all forms of nationalism are characterized by expansionist tendencies. For example, Liberal nationalism emphasizes self-determination and recognizes the rights of nations to exist independently. Thinkers like Rousseau advocate for a collective national identity that does not necessarily seek to expand at the expense of others.
Additionally, Anti/post-colonial nationalism focuses on freeing colonized nations from oppressive rule, prioritizing self-governance without the intent of expansion. Leaders like Garvey showcase how nationalism can be rooted in liberation rather than domination.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In concluding, while some nationalistic ideologies are expansionist in nature, such as Chauvinistic and expansionist nationalism, others promote a more inclusive approach focused on self-determination and rights of nations. This indicates that nationalism is not universally expansionist; rather, it depends on the ideological context. Thus, we can argue that nationalism can be both expansive and restrictive.