NCERT Solutions Class-11 Polity Chapter-7: Nationalism

Nationalism: Class-11 Chapter-7 NCERT Solution discusses that Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes loyalty to a nation-state. It is based on the belief that people who share a common culture, language, and history should have their own independent state. Nationalism has been a powerful force in world history, and it continues to play an important role in many countries today. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by our Top Social Science Experts to take care of all Important Topics that might be asked in the upcoming examination 2024-2025. So, Students can refer to these solutions for their final Examination preparation.

These Class 11 Political Science Chapter 7 Nationalism NCERT Solutions are carefully developed using easy-to-understand language while adhering to the guidelines for solving NCERT Solutions for Class 11. Working through these solutions can be highly beneficial for students in their board exams, as well as in preparing for future competitive Exams.

Exercises Page No 110

Q1. How is a nation different from other forms of collective belonging?

Answer:

A nation differs from other forms of collective belonging in that it primarily involves a shared political and cultural identity, often tied to a specific territory. Unlike other forms of belonging, nations typically have formal political structures, defined citizenship rights, and evoke sentiments of nationalism and patriotism. Additionally, nations often have defined territorial boundaries that delineate their sovereignty.

Q2. What do you understand by the right to national self-determination? How has this idea resulted in both formation of and challenges to nation-states?

Answer:

The right to national self-determination is the principle that nations, defined by shared identity, culture, and history, have the right to determine their own political status, form of government, and territorial boundaries. This idea has led to the formation of nation-states, where distinct nations govern themselves within defined borders.

However, the concept of national self-determination has also posed challenges to nation-states, particularly in cases where multiple nations coexist within the same territory or where borders do not align with ethnic, cultural, or historical boundaries. This has resulted in conflicts over territory, autonomy, and identity, leading to secessionist movements, ethnic tensions, and territorial disputes. Additionally, the pursuit of national self-determination has sometimes conflicted with principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, posing challenges to international order and stability.

Q3. “We have seen that nationalism can unite people as well as divide them, liberate them as well as generate bitterness and conflict”. Illustrate your answer with examples.

Answer:

Nationalism has indeed displayed both unifying and divisive tendencies throughout history. Here are examples:

Unifying Aspect

Indian Independence Movement: Nationalism played a crucial role in uniting diverse communities in India against colonial rule. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru mobilized Indians under the banner of nationalism to achieve independence from British rule, leading to the formation of a unified Indian nation-state in 1947.

Divisive Aspect

Partition of India: However, the same nationalist fervor that united Indians against colonialism also led to bitter divisions along religious lines during the partition of India in 1947. The demand for separate Muslim and Hindu states resulted in the creation of India and Pakistan, accompanied by communal violence, mass migrations, and displacement of millions, highlighting the divisive potential of nationalism.

Q4. Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in nationalisms all over the world. Comment.

Answer:

Indeed, nationalism manifests differently across the world, and no single factor such as descent, language, religion, or ethnicity can claim to be universally common to all nationalist movements. Instead, nationalism often arises from a complex interplay of historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic factors unique to each context.

For example:

• Civic Nationalism: In some cases, nationalism is based on civic principles such as shared political values, institutions, and citizenship rights, rather than ethnic or cultural ties. This form of nationalism emphasizes loyalty to a nation-state’s political ideals and legal framework, irrespective of individuals’ backgrounds.
• Ethnic Nationalism: In contrast, other nationalist movements prioritize ethnic or cultural identities as the basis for national unity and belonging. These movements often emphasize common ancestry, language, religion, or historical narratives to define the nation and exclude perceived outsiders.
• Religious Nationalism: In certain contexts, nationalism is intertwined with religious identity, where adherence to a particular faith becomes central to national identity and political mobilization. This form of nationalism can be seen in movements advocating for the establishment of religious states or the preservation of religious heritage.
• Secular Nationalism: On the other hand, some nationalist movements prioritize secularism and pluralism, advocating for inclusive civic identities that transcend religious, ethnic, or linguistic divisions. These movements often emphasize shared values, democratic principles, and respect for diversity as the basis for national unity.

Q5. Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.

Answer:

Nationalist feelings can emerge due to various factors, including historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic circumstances. Here are some examples illustrating these factors:

• Indian Independence Movement: British colonial rule in India sparked nationalist sentiments among Indians, leading to mass movements and protests against colonial exploitation and oppression. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru mobilized Indians under the banner of nationalism to achieve independence from British rule.
• Welsh Nationalism: In Wales, cultural and linguistic identity plays a significant role in fostering nationalist feelings. The Welsh language, traditions, and history are central to Welsh nationalism, which advocates for cultural preservation, linguistic rights, and greater autonomy within the United Kingdom.
• Kurdish Nationalism: Kurdish nationalism is fueled by a shared ethnic and linguistic identity among the Kurdish people, who inhabit parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Despite being divided across multiple countries, Kurds advocate for greater recognition, autonomy, and rights based on their distinct ethnic identity and historical grievances.

Q6. How is a democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations?

Answer:

A democracy is often more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations due to several key factors:

• Inclusive Governance: Democracies provide avenues for diverse voices and interests to be represented and heard through electoral processes, political participation, and freedom of expression. This inclusivity allows for negotiation, compromise, and consensus-building to address conflicting nationalist aspirations peacefully.
• Rule of Law: Democracies typically uphold the rule of law, constitutional principles, and institutional mechanisms for resolving disputes and safeguarding minority rights. Legal frameworks and independent judiciaries can mitigate conflicts and ensure that nationalist aspirations are pursued within democratic norms and principles.
• Pluralism and Tolerance: Democratic societies promote pluralism, tolerance, and respect for diversity, accommodating multiple identities, cultures, and interests within the political system. This fosters a sense of belonging and citizenship among diverse communities, reducing the likelihood of exclusionary nationalism and intergroup conflicts.

Q7. What do you think are the limitations of nationalism?

Answer:

The limitations of nationalism include:

• Exclusionary Tendencies: Nationalism often defines the nation in exclusive terms based on ethnicity, religion, or language, leading to the marginalization or exclusion of minority groups, immigrants, or those perceived as outsiders.
• Conflict and Division: Nationalism can exacerbate conflicts, rivalries, and divisions between different nations or ethnic groups, leading to tensions, violence, and even wars, particularly when nationalist sentiments are manipulated for political or territorial gain.
• Xenophobia and Intolerance: Nationalism can foster xenophobia, bigotry, and intolerance towards those perceived as different or foreign, undermining social cohesion, diversity, and inclusive citizenship within multicultural societies.
• Authoritarianism and Populism: Nationalist leaders may exploit nationalist sentiments to justify authoritarian measures, undermine democratic institutions, and concentrate power, posing threats to human rights, civil liberties, and pluralism.
• Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide: Extreme forms of nationalism, such as ethnic or racial nationalism, can fuel ideologies of supremacy and justify acts of ethnic cleansing, genocide, or mass violence against perceived “others” or minority groups.
• Imperialism and Expansionism: Nationalism has historically been used to justify imperialism, colonialism, and territorial expansion, leading to the subjugation, exploitation, and displacement of indigenous peoples and weaker nations.
• Environmental Degradation: Nationalist ideologies of economic growth and resource exploitation can prioritize short-term national interests over environmental sustainability and global cooperation, exacerbating climate change and ecological crises.

Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes loyalty to a nation-state. It is based on the belief that people who share a common culture, language, and history should have their own independent state. Nationalism has been a powerful force in world history, and it continues to play an important role in many countries today. There are many different types of nationalism, but they all share some common features. First, nationalists believe that the nation is the most important unit of political organization. Second, they believe that the nation-state is the best way to protect and promote the interests of the nation. Third, they believe that the nation is a natural and inevitable unit of political organization.

Also Check:

• Nationalism Chapter 7 Class 11 Polity Notes
• Nationalism in India – CBSE Class 10 History Notes Chapter 2
• Rise of Nationalism in India

What is the focus of NCERT Solutions Polity Chapter-7: Nationalism?

The chapter focuses on the concept of nationalism, its historical development, manifestations, and impact on societies and politics.

How does nationalism influence political movements and ideologies?

Nationalism influences political movements by mobilizing people around shared identity, culture, and history, shaping ideologies and agendas.

What are some examples of nationalist movements in history?

Examples include the Indian independence movement, European unification movements, anti-colonial struggles, and ethnic nationalist movements.

How does nationalism impact international relations?

Nationalism can influence foreign policy, territorial disputes, and alliances, shaping interactions between nations and global dynamics.

What are the challenges and limitations of nationalism?

Challenges include exclusionary tendencies, ethnic conflicts, authoritarianism, and environmental degradation, highlighting the complexities of nationalist ideologies.