Critique on Nationalism

Nationalism can be defined as the glorification of the idea of the nation and of everything that expresses it in civil and political life; or as a strong sentiment of attachment to one's nation, accompanied by a blind preference for everything that is characteristic of that nation - (Treccani encyclopedia).

Nationalism is one of the most powerful and dangerous tools with which those in power can manipulate the population, so that the population protects theinterests of those in power while believing they are protecting their nation instead.

Historically, men have created arbitrary borders on land, considering areas divided by imaginary lines as separate “nations”, even though these nations often encompassed dozens of populations with different cultures, histories, and customs. To maintain their power and control over these territories, by defending them from enemy incursions, or to expand their power, through wars of conquest, those in power had to manipulate people into feeling part of their “nation”, even though it is a completely abstract concept based on arbitrary borders rather than on shared characteristics of the community. Without this manipulation, no one would accept fighting the wars of the rich, risking their lives for the interests of the elite, from which they would gain nothing, unless they had been convinced they were doing it for a great cause: their nation (which is seen as a family or a home).

That is why people in power create a distorted narrative, separating the “us” (your nation) from the “them” (foreign nations), even when the differences between nations (historically, culturally, and linguistically) are no greater than the differences among the populations within the nation itself. By manipulating this narrative and fostering nationalism, those in power secure a tool to incite the people against an enemy nation (which may vary depending on the historical context and the interests of the elite).

P.S. These words are in no way meant to disrespect those who fought for the union or independence of their nation; they are intended only to critique the idea of nationalism and its dangerous nature when used as a tool for manipulation.