National Identity: The End or a New Beginning?

This thesis examines the roots of national identity, the relationship between the nation and the state, and how globalization is having an effect on that relationship. The changes in national identity, that come with these changes, are the main focus here. With increased globalization there has been an increase in international organizations, multinational corporations and other supranational mechanisms. Also, there has been an effect of “glocalization”, where the role of the local community increases with globalization. These changes have an influence on the traditional function of the state. Consequently, national identity changes too. It is difficult to say whether national identity is nearing the end or not. Several argue that a global identity is not a viable replacement because it lacks the cultural depth of national identity. But it is definitely undergoing changes and these changes are manifested in several ways. A strengthening of national identity itself is one. The resurgence of religious fundamentalism is another. A blending of different identities is yet another development, where a global identity is added to an individual’s local identity. The examination of the relationship between the nation and the state reveals that the two concepts are not inseparable. Furthermore, there are possibilities for the existence of sub-state national identities within states, which would be important if national identity were to lose its importance, and if the traditional nation-state were to change the way it has monopolized identity and culture in many countries