Ernest Gellner's book, "Nation and
Nationalism," explores the pivotal role of nationalism as a fundamental
principle in political legitimation and modernity. His theory connects
nationalism deeply with the process of industrialization, arguing that
nationalism is only relevant within the context of modernization and
industrialization, primarily in the political and cultural spheres. Gellner
underscores the importance of cultural homogeneity as the foundation of
nationalism within a nation-state, asserting that nationalism precedes the
state and that "stateless societies cannot experience nationalism."
Each chapter of the book delves into different dimensions
of nationalism. Gellner begins by offering a significant definition of
nationalism as a "political principle," insisting on the congruence
of political and national units and discouraging ethnic boundaries from cutting
across political ones. He traces mankind's evolution through three stages:
Pre-agrarian, Agrarian, and Industrial. In the pre-agrarian phase, there was no
concept of the state, and thus, no nationalism. The agrarian phase witnessed
the existence of the state as optional, with no mandatory adherence to state
principles. The industrial phase marked the inescapable presence of the state.
Gellner further justifies the compatibility of
nationalism only in industrialized societies, attributing it to the division of
labor and the pursuit of knowledge. Industrial society, characterized by
rationality, consistency, and coherence, sees culture as a unifying force rather
than a dominating one. Gellner contrasts this with agrarian societies, where
rulers were distant from the ruled, leading to hierarchies and inequalities. In
the industrial society, the quest for knowledge and effective communication
facilitates specialization, learning, reduced inequalities, stronger
connections, and greater homogenization. The central argument emerges:
"nationalism arises whenever and wherever barriers exist to the spread of
industrial society and the homogenization it brings with it."
Gellner rejects various forms of nationalism, notably
Kedourie's idea that nationalist theory is an accidental and inessential
development. He challenges the Marxists' "Wrong Address Theory,"
disputing the claim that nationalism's message was intended for classes but
mistakenly delivered to nations.
In addressing the problems and conflicts associated with
nationalism, Gellner introduces four typologies: 'Satisfied Nationalism,'
'Classical Liberal Nationalism,' 'Ethnic Nationalism,' and 'Diaspora Nationalism.'
He illustrates the dilemmas surrounding these forms, highlighting the
challenges in predicting which cultures will successfully adopt nationalism
with strong political roots. Gellner ultimately reflects on the positive
consequences of nationalism for modern society, emphasizing the necessity of
required homogeneity and endorsing a 'functionalist' approach to nationalism.
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