LiberalMedia
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I have noticed that many people, including numerous users of USMB, seem to have a confusion over a few terms that link back to the concept of nationalism. To further our understanding of vocabulary, politics, and each other, here are three questions on nationalism in the U.S.:
1. Would you describe yourself as a nationalist, and what in your opinion are the beliefs central to American nationalism?
2. What is a nation? Which, if any, of the following definitions of the word "nation" is the most suitable?
Nation - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
As Wikipedia notes, when we use the term 'nation,' we must always put it into context, as it "carries varying meanings, and the connotation of the term has changed over time."
3. Is the U.S. a nation-state?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_state
This thread is aimed at Americans, but non-Americans can feel free to respond.
1. Would you describe yourself as a nationalist, and what in your opinion are the beliefs central to American nationalism?
2. What is a nation? Which, if any, of the following definitions of the word "nation" is the most suitable?
Nation - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
1
a (1) : nationality 5a (2) : a politically organized nationality (3) : a non-Jewish nationality <why do the nations conspire Psalms 2:1 (Revised Standard Version)>
b : a community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government
c : a territorial division containing a body of people of one or more nationalities and usually characterized by relatively large size and independent status
2
archaic : group, aggregation
3
: a tribe or federation of tribes (as of American Indians)
See nation defined for English-language learners »
See nation defined for kids »
As Wikipedia notes, when we use the term 'nation,' we must always put it into context, as it "carries varying meanings, and the connotation of the term has changed over time."
3. Is the U.S. a nation-state?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_state
A nation state is a geographical area that can be identified as deriving its political legitimacy from serving as a sovereign nation.[1] A state is a political and geopolitical entity, while a nation is a cultural and ethnic one. The term "nation state" implies that the two coincide, but "nation state" formation can take place at different times in different parts of the world, and has become the dominant form of world organization.
The concept of a nation state can be compared and contrasted with that of the multinational state, city state,[2][3][4] empire, confederation, and other state formations with which it may overlap. The key distinction is the identification of a people with a polity in the "nation state."
This thread is aimed at Americans, but non-Americans can feel free to respond.