Western and Eastern Nationalisms

Scientists, distinguish two types of nationalisms according to their various characteristics and manifestations: the Western Nationalism and the Eastern Nationalism. In the West (England, France, Netherlands, Swiss, USA, British dominions) the occurrence of nationalism was determined by political factors. It was followed by the formation of nation-state, or, like the case of the US, these two processes were coinciding. Beyond the West, in the central and Eastern Europe, in Asia, nationalism was expressed on later stage of socio-political development. In this case, quiet often, the boundaries of existed nation-state and the boundaries of rising nation were incompatible, so nationalism was found in conflict with the existing nation state. The adjustment of political boundaries in accordance with ethnic demands was primary goal of conflict. As in the Western Europe nationalism arose on later stage of socio-political development, it was expressed through culture. At the same time, newly formed national movements and nationalisms of the Eastern Europe, and in other parts of the World, were heavily influenced by the West, served as a model and example. Such strong dependence on the West was humiliating the pride of indigenous people and local elites, thus, when their own nationalisms, accompanied with liberal and rational viewpoints, emerged, they turned out to be confronted with the “alien” models of nationalism[1].
It should be noted, each nationalism is spurred by the cultural contact with an old, previously existed nationalism. Nationalism and nationalists of the central and Eastern Europe were motivated by the past myths and dreams about future; they hoped for the better future and homeland, which was closely connected to ancient times and historical past. These nationalisms did not have any links with their contemporary time and they hoped for transformation into political reality. The Western nationalism, with it’s origins, was related with the 18th century’s personal freedom and rational cosmopolitism. While the Central and Eastern European, as well as Asian nationalisms, had different way of development. They were not based on political and social reality, thus missing self-confidence and faithfulness[2].
[1]Kohn H. Western and Eastern Nationalisms. Nationalism Edited by John Hutchinson and Anthony D.Smith; Oxford-New York, Oxford University Press 1994. pp.162-165
[2]Kohn H. Western and Eastern Nationalisms. Nationalism Edited by John Hutchinson and Anthony D.Smith; Oxford-New York, Oxford University Press 1994. pp.162-165