Book Review-Nations and Nationalism since 1780

Book Review

In his book Nations and Nationalism since 1780: Programme, Myth, Reality, Hobsbawm offers a theory regarding the summit of nationalism. He emphasizes on the central significance of nationalism, in political development and turmoil as evidenced by history. According to the author, nations are not founded on physical geography, religion, common history, myths, ethnicity, and language, amongst others, but they are founded on nationalism identification and other forms of identifications that seem subordinate to nationalism though they are not.

Although Hobsbawn’s own ideology of being a Marxist gets in the way of his argument presentation he only offers facts and makes a credible argument. In his thesis, the author states that three empires- the Austro-Hungarian, the Ottoman and the Russian- fell apart at almost the same time due to rapidly rising tribal nationalism in the imperial margins and their centers. Additionally, he states that the nation concept should be viewed with regard to nationalism rather than viewing it in reality or subjective perspectives. In the author’s perception, when a nation is conceived through nationalism, the prospective recognition takes place and the physical nation is given a posteriori recognition.

Hobsbawn uses the nationalism in the discussion as defined by Gellner. Gellner holds nationalism as the primary principle, which projects the congruency of the national and the political unit[1]. He also incorporates another implication that the principle puts across as dictated by the Ruritanians political duty to the policy. The nation of Ruritanians supersedes public responsibilities and in the extreme cases, as seen in wars it does the same to any other responsibilities. This sort of insinuation differentiates present nationalism from other and less challenging types of group nationalism or group classification that may be encountered.

The author further feels that a nation is not a fixed societal entity or a prime principle, which is only perceived for people of a meticulous and historically current period. This symbolizes a societal entity, only as far as it associates to a particular type of modern territorial state of which it is baseless to have nationality and nation discussions as long as the two associate with one another. Hobsbawn asserts that Gellner’s concepts and his emphasis should be on social engineering, invention and artifact, which would be of significance to nation building. The author further feels that the reality outlines political fate as mythical. Note that, nationalism may at times conform to existing cultures and modify them into nations or even reinvent them and evidently destroy them. In other words, nations are birthed by nationalism; nations do not form countries and nationalism but countries and nationalism form nations.

As a Marxist, the author points out that the national question is based on the politics’ point of interception[2]. Nations are in existence not only for purposes of a certain form of protective state or the objective to create one, but also as the framework of a certain stage of economical and technological expansion. It is agreed upon that standard national languages, whether written or spoken, cannot be self-fulfilled before they are printed, introduced in terms of mass literacy and thus the introduction of collective education. For such reasons, nations and other related phenomena must be examined in the basis of economical, administrative, technical, and political conditions.

These phenomena should be assessed in terms of above and below views. The above view is undertaken by nationalist and the non-nationalist movements, activists, spokespersons and governments, to mention but a few. On the other hand, the below view is undertaken by the ordinary citizens subject to the outcome of their own propaganda and actions. Fortunately, due to social historians’ and the capacity to investigate various ideas, people no longer confuse ideas in editorials from the media houses with public opinion.

Hobsbawm clarifies three important things in his publication. First, movements and state ideologies are not a representation of what is present in the minds of even the most loyal supporters or citizens. Secondly, an assumption cannot be made with regard to national identification since it is higher than other identifications, which make up the social being. It is always used as an associate of other identification even when it is perceived to be higher than the rest. Lastly, the implications of national identification and identification itself can alter the time shift, even in a very short period[3]; research and more thinking should be invested in this area.

The author has executed his argument quite fairly and based on facts. Although he views in objectivity through the Marxist lens, he points and arguments are well executed even to the socialists and other people who do not follow Marxism. He does not show any biasness and prejudices on the idea of nationalism. He only offers his views based on the happenings that have taken place in the past and continue to take place. The book remains interesting and does not detract the main message being passed across. It only offers strong personal views, acting as a notable strength.

The general value of the book is worth the buying and reading. It is quite thoughtful for study purposes and a helpful analysis tool on national history. The author has utilized credible sources that are strong and reliable within the publication. He has also made criticism of some people’s work such as Gellner (who is of significance in the history field) in order to prove the authenticity of his thesis, make his points more solid, and to indicate to the reader a given perspective when making particular statement. The work is definitely thought provoking, interesting, and makes one have a different view of national and nationalism. The publication is well written, executed and should be read by anybody who has interest in nationalism.

Bibliography

 Hobsbawm, Eric, J., 2004, Nations and nationalism since 1780: programme, myth, reality, New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

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