Essay: Geography and understanding of nationalism

The study of nationalism in geography has stemmed from the idea of portraying a nationalist character. Nationalism is based on the idea that inhabitants in a state or region, all have a similar national identification within a national territory or culture; also known as cultural diversity. Anthony Smith states that, “nationalism provides the most compelling identity myth in the modern world” (Cloke, Crang & Goodwin, 2005). This suggests that nationalism is historic and powerful, yet a complex and questionable topic today, and thus, this is vital for geographers as it can be analysed in great detail.
There are eight factors of national territory that were discovered by William and Smith in 1983(Cloke, Crang & Goodwin, 2005). These include: habitat, folk, culture, scales, location, boundaries, self-sufficiency, the idea of homeland and nation-building. These can be split up into both external and internal factors. The external aspects represent the individuality of a nation, whereas internally, territory and landscape represent national identity as a whole and are strong forces of social cohesion. For example, in England when social tension arises, like during the World Wars, paintings of agricultural areas exemplify ‘Englishness’ and are used to restore national identity.
Anderson stated that “the nations unique history is embodied in the nations territory- its homeland, land of ancestors, older than any state, the same land which we saw its greatest moments”(Cloke, Crang & Goodwin, 2005). This quote reinforces the importance of the history of the nation and how overtime people start to become interconnected with place. However this isn’t evident within the geographical nature of Australia as it doesn’t portray a future for the growth of a National identity, however, population and migrant communities is the only evidence to suggest any growth of these identities in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific Islands. Although this in-migration promotes multiculturalism, other people feel their national unity is threatened. Furthermore, this can be exemplified through Australia’s environmental problems, including pollution, deforestation and soil exhaustion, thus geographers have been trying to tackle these issues which has coincided alongside the idea of nation building and repairing.
Between the years of 1922 and1991the Soviet Union was considered a global threat (BBC news, 2006).Long term benefits were not guaranteed and the Union seemed to be dragging down other regions with its collapse. At the same time, ‘the world’s worst disaster’ (BBC News, 1990) occurred in Central Asia, the disappearance of the Aral Sea. It caused several economic and social problems and the Russians completely destroyed the environment and economy, leaving the Asian people to die. Despite this, Central Asian economies are highly reliant on Russia in terms of their livelihood. This indicates the relationship between nationalism, the economy and the ecology. On the other hand, the decline of this region has re-introduced geography to this area of the world, altering people’s perceptions and most importantly, it’s allowed for the creation of new identities. This meant that different regions were revisited which were made up of inhabitants that were strongly committed towards the natural environment and have a clear sense of identity.
Japan is an example of an area that has experienced change for the better, creating this idea of a ‘nation-state’. A sense of segregation is displayed as the territory and cultural aspects within the nation only occur amongst the ruling classes. Thus, the inhabitants living in urban areas perceive themselves as not being one with the nation and feel a sense of isolation. Japanese inhabitants in the 1980’s and 1990’s had never come into contact with other foreign people. As a result of this, the Japanese were determined to open themselves up to the rest of the world and share their unique culture which coincided with Japan’s modernization.
Nationalism and globalization are two important factors that are influenced by one another; Globalization is the increase in international integration of trade and cultures in a country from around the world. China is a key example, and has bought both positive and negative impacts. The main positive is the remarkable increase in trade with Africa; there are now 800 Chinese companies doing business in Africa and China’s trade with Africa has increased by 700% in the 1990’s. This has helped Africa overcome poverty and thus has improved their socio-economic way of life. However, not only does it affect the host country, but also the countries at the receiving end. China stepping in with trade agreements in return for natural resources has isolated the west and made it difficult for Europe and the USA to make best use of the world’s resources. Thus, from a geographical point of view, it makes sense to view nationalism at a local scale. This is supported by The Multi-national Empire. It has a strong emphasis on portraying uniqueness and determination to live an independent life by separating cultural and regional identities.
Political geography is important in many countries and is mainly focused on the state. Ratzel (Hooson, 1994) was the founder of political geography and he clearly identifies ‘the study of the structure and territorial dimension’ (Hooson, 1994). Spanish Geography is an example of political nationalism. Catalonia is an area with a distinctive identity, its own language, culture, history and territory; it is considered a ‘historical nationality’ (Hooson, 1994).  In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, Catalonia experience an increase in population and economic growth. However the population is unevenly distributed. 70% of people are concentrated in Barcelona; this illustrated the urban nature of the modern society. The Catalan geographical society was set up to ‘discuss all the aspects related to geography and to its insertion into Catalan Society’ (Hooson, 1994). The aim was to make people aware that geography plays an important role in the building up of, not only the Catalan national identity and culture, but how this approach can be applied in other geographical locations. The links between geography and nationalism are acquired through an individual political decision rather than a regional approach, again, as mentioned above, a local perception may be more beneficial.
Diaspora is a scattered population whose origin lies within different places in different national spaces. It allows for the mixing of different cultural elements, inhabiting atleast two identities. One example being, the dispersal of the Jews at the time of the destruction of the first temple and forced exile to Babylonia. Diaspora challenges the concept of fixed origins and reflects the improved global communication networks. This has provided support with orientation and adaptation to the new host society. Most importantly, it plays a significant role in the development of nation building in poor countries. Africa is one of the largest diaspora, and the organisation, Diaspora for Africa Development (DfAD), (Diaspora for African development, 2015) aims to help stimulate Africa’s social and economic development, aswell as transfer skills and knowledge.
To conclude, there are clear social, economic and environmental contributions that have shaped geography and the understanding of nationalism. National identities are still growing today and are linked to the diverse range of landscapes and physical features. Geography has been a leading figure in the process of nation building all over the world.