Nationalism has been a negative force across European countries because the concept has been politicized and made evil. Nationhood has been solely based on identity instead of material principles; thus, nationalism has been a fantasy. Nationality devalues the lives of individuals outside the identity-based groups of a nation. For instance, AfD (Alternative for Germany) has broken anti-Nazi taboos and has taken up hostility against Islam (BBC News, 2019).
Positive impacts
Nationalism satisfies the fundamental psychological need of belonging. Thus it provides citizens with a sense of security and status. Besides, nationalism plays a crucial role at the social level. It meets the indispensable role of strengthening a group and its identity past individual needs. Also, nationalism has been the driving force behind well-being and freedom among European countries. During the French Revolution and Second World War, the awake of nationalism led to establishing unprecedented and radical social policies in sectors like education, housing, and health. For instance, Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) was established due to the rise of a sense of “British identity” that is beyond class and various divisions (Calhoun, 2017).
Negative impacts
Nationalism has been the primary cause of exclusion, xenophobia and discrimination among European countries. It has led to the exclusion and persecution of minorities among the European countries resulting in the hiatus in social cohesion building. For instance, Brexit has significantly impacted cohesion in Britain and the European Union (Calhoun, 2017). A 2018 study found that 63% of Finland’s African descent have been racially harassed (Kataja, 2020). Besides, Germany’s AfD has pushed for severe anti-immigration policies that have raised concerns about the European Union, globalization and immigration (BBC News, 2019).
Global effects
Generally, nationalism plays an important role in promoting pride, a sense of common identity and uniting citizens of a country. However, extreme nationalism can result in the sense of superiority, international violence, instability, aggression and militarism to those outside a particular nation. For instance, Nazi Germany’s extreme nationalism led to massive destruction during the Second World War.
References
BBC News, (2019). Europe and right-wing nationalism: A country-by-country guide. Retrieved from: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36130006
Calhoun, C. (2017). Populism, nationalism and Brexit. Brexit: Sociological Responses, 57-76.
Kataja, R. (2020). The Happiest and the Most Racist: Institutional Racism in Nordic Countries. Retrieved from: https://harvardpolitics.com/nordic-racism/
