Nations: Extreme Identity

Nations are the most extreme forms of identity groups. For an identity the nation is the highest status it can have: to claim and occupy a part of the world’s territory for itself, to have political power of the highest level, and to have these recognized by other identity groups. Nationalism is the extreme manifestation of the ‘will to power’ of identity groups.

Nation-states come into being in two ways. The first case is when an identity group develops a strong territorial attachment and gains a desire for political autonomy. Then after some fighting or struggle an identity-based nation is formed (let us call these Type A nations). Because it evolved out of an existing identity it will tend to be largely homogeneous and internally stable but will develop especially strong attachments to the ‘homeland’ territory and a strong feeling of collectiveness. Importantly, the identity from which they were created dominates other identities.

In the second case political events lead to a nation-state being formed without a strong existing identity basis (let these be Type B). In such cases internal identities are powerful and a new identity of the nation is added. Instead of one major identity multiple ones shape society. Such nations also favour the idea of diversity. Type B nations tend to be heterogeneous and internally divided, while the collectiveness and territorial attachment develop only after some time.

Regardless of whether a nation is an identity in itself or developed out of an existing one, it is truly extreme in all the characteristics of identity.

Identity groups have in them the inherent characteristic of selfishness which is particularly pronounced in marginalized groups. But with nations the situation is such that both they and the people in them are completely unwilling to help each other. Nationalists only desire the growth, development and progress of their own nation with complete indifference (or even negativity) towards the rest of the world. Further, they even consider this a virtue (of patriotism) in itself!

Then comes the attachment to territory. Type A nations have a piece of land they call their ‘homeland’ which they consider sacred to their nation. Even Type B nations develop this attachment after some time. But all nations do assume that they have a right over the land they identify with. As is with individuals, the earth and its land do not belong to any identity group (or even to all humans). Whatever national groups may say about some land being their ancestral homeland, all humans alike originated from Africa.

Symbolism is another feature of nations that existed only in religious identities. From a national flag and anthem to a national bird, national tree and national sport these symbols are revered as icons of the nation. They give tangibility to the imaginary identity of the nation so one can relate to it. Symbols are one of the factors that make a nation much more ‘real’ than other identity groups, which are more often considered figments of imagination.

All identity groups have a strong connection with the past, as they try to demonstrate a ‘collective heritage’ to justify their existence as an identity group. Type B nations especially have a need to do this. But it is only the nations, being the extreme form of an identity group, which actively modify, twist and pervert history to serve their needs. It is impossible to separate historical fact from nationalistic propaganda. Every nation creates its own version of history for its own purposes.

National identities are characterised by the desire for political autonomy and self-governance. They strive for independence from ‘foreign’ control. Nations desire to have their own government and laws. While they are merely an identity group and hence, in theory, they have no legitimacy to make any laws, in practice the law has only as much authority as people give it. So if the people abide by those rules they get legal authority.

Nations are at the heart of the current world order. The people of the world have divided themselves into nationalities, established their own governments and created a system built upon the basic premise of nations that perpetuates and supports the nations. The one, and only, agenda on which all national identities cooperate and have a shared interest in is the maintenance of this nation-based world order. Nations—and the leaders who control them—will never want to give up their power and existence. The existing ones also do not want others to join the club unless it suits their interests. Here comes the concept of countries—nations which are recognized by other nations. Due to their mutual recognition and support they have become much more than merely identity groups. They are now full-fledged political entities, accepted by the people as a dogma.

The phenomenon of ‘othering’ is common to all identity groups, and here too the nations have lived up to their status as an extreme identity. There is a sharp distinction between foreign and local or domestic, inside and outside, and ours and theirs besides the usual us and them. People from other nations are accorded the outsider status as if they were aliens from Mercury. On the other hand, people are expected to be in fraternity and solidarity with thousands of other people as if they were related in some way.

In this nation-centred world having a ‘no identity’ is not possible. All the territory has been claimed by one or the other nation, and all the people belong to them. So wherever one lives one must be in some nation. And nations come down heavily on those living in but not belonging to it. So a nationless person must live as a refugee in their own world.

While nations are, like all identities, imaginary entities, their reality in the world is hard to deny. They are the foundation of the world-system and change requires a complete overthrow. Hopefully, humans will break their own walls and make this possible.