Post-Colonial & Expansionist Nationalism
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 19.2.2
Post-Colonial Nationalism
Post-colonial nationalism advocates the return of power from colonisers to indigenous people, it was seen predominantly in the return of power from the Europeans to the people of Africa after WW2.
Colonialism
- Colonialism is the domination of one nation by another.
- The dominant nation will assert its superiority over the colonised nation.
- As well as the imposition of values etc. it will also impose symbols to assert its dominance. This can be seen with the way that Britain used the union flag.
Key ideas in post-colonial nationalism
- Nationalism, and a sense of nationhood, was forged by the forced occupation of land. Liberation from occupation became the core focus of anti-colonialism nationalism.
- The desire for self-determination in order to improve social and economic conditions was a key concern of the anti-colonial nationalists.
- The de-colonisation of much of Asia and Africa occurred following the Second World War.
Post-colonial outcomes
- Revolution became a key theme in post-colonial nations as they sought to chart their own social, political, and economic course following years of oppression. Anti-Western sentiment was often a key theme in revolutions.
- But despite the desire for self-determination, many nations ended up under authoritarian regimes following independence. Africa, for example, became mired in conflict as many nations fell to strongmen, military leaders, and one-party states.
- Other nations fell to Communism following independence; for example, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Expansionist nationalism
Expansionist nationalism is aggressive in its pursuit of territory and national prestige, it rejects the right of all nations to self-determination.
Expansionist nationalism and superiority
- Expansionist nationalism is linked to chauvinism (a belief that one's nation is superior to others).
- While expansionist nationalists believe in superiority, they also have an illogical fear of minorities; such as the Nazis and the Jews.
- Some nations have particular characteristics, such as ethnicity, which make them superior to other nations. This gives such nations the basis to ‘civilise’ such people with their language, culture, and religion.
- Expansionist nationalism is the antithesis of liberal nationalism. It does not believe in the equality of nations or the right to self-determination.
Examples of expansionist nationalism
- Expansionist nationalism is typified by the Empire-building of the European powers. This began with Britain in the seventeenth century and continued up to the expansionist policies of the fascist regimes in Nazi Germany and Italy, which led to the Second World War.
- In Nazi Germany, its expansionist policies and sense of cultural and ethnic superiority resulted in its efforts to construct an Aryan master-race.
- The fate of the Jews shows how expansionist nationalists may scapegoat others. It relies on an environment of ‘them’ and ‘us.’
Expansionist nationalism today
- In the modern era, North Korea demonstrates the traits of an expansionist nationalist nation. It is a militarist nation. Its leader elicits intense loyalty from citizens. It has an illogical fear of outsiders and other nations; even South Korea is seen as an enemy nation.
Test yourself on Post-Colonial & Expansionist Nationalism
Which statement is true?
What do post-colonial thinkers believe nationalism was caused by?
Which statement is false?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a nation pursuing expansionist nationalism?