Eastern vs. Western Perspective

In international relations, the concept of nationalism needs to be understood. As we know that there are the differences between eastern countries and western countries views about nationalism. Nationalism has two faces that concept is not easy to explain. That is because nationalism can be strengthening a country or even destroys the country.

            The concept of nationalism in eastern countries is something very important that needed by a country. Nationalism is used by the eastern country as defense. In case, defense from another countries influence that can fade the nationalism in its country. In the view of the eastern countries, nationalism can be used as an identity for themselves.

Nationalism is a tool that is used to achieve power of a country. With high nationalism of each individual within a country, it will create a common interest that would form one solid unit and will form a great power. With great power, the easier a country achieves its national interests to stay afloat in the world. That's called nationalism in eastern countries.

            Not like eastern countries, western countries do not view nationalism as it can strengthen the state itself. Nationalism could even be a destroyer of a country. Because nationalism could create a state is not open to overseas. Foreign influence cannot be accepted outright, but the good effects should be well received in order to make an example of a country for the better.

            According to western countries, nationalism can make a nation being too proud or become primordial own country and tend to be chauvinism. Because that nationalism could destroy a country. In the international life of a country cannot survive without the other countries. The influence of other countries would also be required. Because of this attitude too proud of its own state is not considered good and will actually make the country does not go forward.

From the perspective of the west and east, nationalism itself has two faces. Nationalism can be a builder and a destroyer of nations. There is nothing wrong about thinking that nationalism can be used to achieve the benefit. Nationalism is an identity that makes a country recognized internationally. Each resident should have a high sense of nationalism as a filter so that foreign influence national identity does not fade and a sense of pride in the country remains. If the population itself does not have a high nationalism and does not recognize the advantages of his own nation, how the international community can "see" the size of the country? So, nationalism still needs to be embedded in the souls of each resident.

            Thought western countries were not able to be underestimated. Due to excessive nationalism is not good. Nations will tend to be closed to other countries. If closed, it will be difficult for a country to keep up to date to this era. It is also would be difficult if a country has an excessive nationalism.

Thus, nationalism should be seen through the two sides. Although it seen as a constructive, it can maintain the identity of a country in the international arena, nationalism can also make a country becomes "less socially". Therefore, deepening the understanding needed for every citizen regarding nationalism.