Nationalism, the political identification of a people as one group, the development of a sense of community and loyalty among its members, has been for the most part, beneficial to society. One can argue that it:

• promotes democracy
• encourages self-determination
• discourages imperialism
• allows for economic development
• allows for diversity and experimentation

On the other hand, an aggressive nationalism has been developing late in the twentieth century around the world where xenophobia has led to a rise in conflicts, to an attitude of oppression of the "other" groups, and a disturbing lack of concern for others.

Where is the balance between a positive nationalism and a negative one? Can nationalism survive or has it outlived its usefulness? What would replace the sense of community symbolized by a nation or a nation/state? Can we really belong to a universal nation? Before you answer these questions, examine the plight of various nations or ethnonational groups around the world. The Minorities at Risk Project Web site gives an excellent background of various national groups and their history in the countries in which they reside.http://www.cidcm.umd.edu/inscr/mar2/index.html(site will open in a new browser window)

Once you have reviewed this information, go to the link below and complete the exercise.

http://www.dushkin.com/text-data/exercises/0072828048/ch06/will2.mhtml