Question

Discuss the modernist theories about the emergence of nations and nationalism?

Answer 1

 answer the question ‘Which came first: nations, nationalism or states?’ Each concept is explored by elaborating on several definitions, in line with the view of Armstrong (2004) that “any social science approach to a historical problem demands careful development of definitions.”[1]

I further address the actual manifestation of the state, nationalism and nation. In addition, the three dominant academic approaches to nations and nationalism are discussed: modernism, ethno-symbolism and primordialism. In the conclusion, I explain why putting the emergence of the state, nation and nationalism in a chronological order is such a difficult endeavour.

Defining the state

Many academic discussions of the state commence with the interpretation of Max Weber[2]. Gellner phrases Weber’s definition of the state as “that agency within society that possesses the monopoly of legitimate violence.” [3] The agency has a clear position in terms of identity, centralisation and discipline and should be principally engaged in maintaining order.

According to Elden (2009), four factors play a crucial role in Weber’s view on the state: “community; legitimacy; violence; and territory.”[4] Weber considered the state as a specific group of people that asserts its right to rule over a bounded territory. In this area, the state possesses full authority in an undivided and unlimited fashion. This means that the state is the only power on its territory and does not bear any responsibility for its actions towards any other entity.

The full authority of a state is a key factor in the notion of sovereignty. The meaning of this concept has been actively discussed among intellectuals for centuries[