Context
Nationalism is a multifaceted phenomenon that has been shaping world politics for centuries. It involves the ideology that promotes loyalty and devotion to a nation, particularly one that you identify with ethnically or culturally. Geopolitics is the analysis of geographic influences on international and national political events.
Throughout history, nationalism has played a significant role in the connections between individuals and their respective nation-states. It has also figured significantly in geopolitical conflicts, whether these take the form of wars of liberation, secessionist conflicts, or even, on a larger scale, the pressures and tensions that lead to global wars.
Nationalism is not merely a geopolitical concept; it also has sociological and psychological roots in the identity of an individual or group. Without a solid understanding of nationalism and its various manifestations, it becomes difficult to appreciate fully the geopolitical contexts that shape our world today.
The concept of nationalism in geopolitics is especially relevant in the contemporary political climate. We see this in the surge of nationalistic movements that have emerged across the globe – from the United States to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Such movements can have serious ramifications, not only for the specific countries in which they occur, but for the world order as a whole.
This project is designed to examine and better understand the concept of nationalism in geopolitics, looking at its various expressions and the implications it has for an increasingly globalized world. Through a collaborative approach, we hope that you will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of nationalism and geopolitics.
Here are some resources to get you started on exploring the topic:
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Nationalism
- BBC article on the role of nationalism in geopolitics
- Encyclopedia Britannica article on Nationalism
- Challenges of Nationalism - Getulio Vargas Foundation
- Monograph "Geopolitics of Nationalism: Nationalism and Geopolitical Discourse in the Malvinas" - UFRGS
Activity
Activity Title: Mapping Nationalism: A Case Study
Project Goal
The objective of this project is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concept of Nationalism in the geopolitical context. It gives students the opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills.
Project Description
Students will work in groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will select a specific country and map the emergence and impacts of nationalism in that country over time. Students will research how nationalism has influenced territory formation, border creation, relationships with other countries, and domestic policies.
Topics to be addressed include:
- Forms of nationalism and its manifestations in the chosen country.
- Impacts of nationalism on the occupation of space and formation of territories.
- Consequences of nationalism within the country and globally.
- The role of violence (physical, symbolic, psychological) in the emergence and consolidation of nationalism.
- The role of nationalism in contemporary geopolitics.
Research should involve the use of multiple sources to gain a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Sources may include books, academic articles, documentaries, interviews, and more.
The project is expected to take over 12 hours per student to complete, divided between research, group discussions, presentation preparation, and writing the report.
Materials needed
- Internet access
- Presentation creation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.)
- Materials for preparing the report
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Research
Conduct thorough research on the topic of nationalism in your chosen country. Use multiple sources and be sure to address all of the topics listed above.
Step 2: Group Meeting
Hold group meetings to discuss, share ideas and compare research. Create an outline for your report and presentation.
Step 3: Presentation Preparation
Create a visual presentation to illustrate the findings of your research. Include relevant images, graphics, and information in a clear and visually appealing format.
Step 4: Writing the Report
Write a detailed report covering all of the information gathered and analysis conducted. The report should include:
- Introduction: Introduce the topic, the relevance and application of nationalism in your selected country, and the project goal.
- Development: Provide an explanation of nationalism theory, details of the activity, methodology used, and the presentation of findings.
- Conclusion: Reiterate the main points, explicitly state learning outcomes, and draw conclusions about the project.
- Bibliography: List the sources used for the project.
Step 5: Project Presentation
Deliver a class presentation of your project to your classmates and your instructor. Each group member should actively participate in the presentation.
Project Deliverables
Each group will be responsible for submitting the following:
- Written document: This report should be carefully proofread, edited, and formatted following the guidelines provided.
- Visual presentation: The presentation should be clear, informative, and visually appealing.
- Oral presentation: Each group member should actively participate in delivering the presentation to the class and instructor.
Deliverables should demonstrate a clear and thorough understanding of the role of nationalism in your chosen country and reflect on the implications for the global geopolitical landscape. Through these deliverables, students will demonstrate acquisition of the technical and soft skills needed to complete the project.
