East and West Views on Nationalism

On the previous post, we know that nationalism itself as an identity of each actor in International Relations. This post will explain about the East and West views about nationalism. Are they support this nationalism concept or not? Will the East and West see nationalism as an identity of their country?

            There are two views about nationalism, which are East and West views. Firstly, we will explain about the East view. Generally, the East believes or sees that nationalism as a good one. The East defines nationalism as a sense of love to the homeland even wants to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the homeland. A love to the homeland that is meant here by Ernest Renan is a sense of belonging by the public to their country. Countries that use this concept are Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries.

            Second, is about the West view. The West sees that nationalism as a bad thing. They assume that the concept of nationalism leads to the radical activities. Besides that, they assume, with nationalism the people will suffer because they do not have freedom in civic life. Countries that use this concept are Germany, Italy, and other countries.

            Well, even we see nationalism as a good things we must pay attention to the application of nationalism in civic life. Why? Because if applying excessive nationalism, so that nationalism will become ultra-nationalism, means that extreme nationalism. This ultra-nationalism will lead into the fascist state, where the interests of the country become the first and not pay attention to the interests of the people.

            In conclusion, nationalism is not seen as a good one but also the bad too. Each of countries has their own view about nationalism. The important thing is do not lead a country into an ultra-nationalism country, because it will make a country become a fascist country.