Section 2: Nations as Fictions

Historical Perspective

Nations, as we understand them today, are relatively modern constructs. The idea of a nation-state—a defined territory governed by a sovereign entity representing a unified people—emerged prominently in Europe following the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, which marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War. This treaty is often cited as the beginning of the modern state system, where sovereign states with defined territorial boundaries became the norm. Before this, the world was organized into empires, kingdoms, and tribal territories, with fluid and often disputed boundaries. For example, the Holy Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and various feudal systems in Europe and Asia did not conform to the modern notion of a nation-state.

Benedict Anderson, in his seminal work “Imagined Communities” (1983), argues that nations are socially constructed communities, imagined by the people who perceive themselves as part of that group. Unlike face-to-face communities, the members of a nation will never know most of their fellow members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet they maintain an image of their communion. This collective imagination, fostered by shared symbols, languages, and media, forms the bedrock of national identity.

Modern Nations

In the contemporary world, the concept of a nation is reinforced by various symbols and rituals that create a sense of belonging and loyalty among its citizens. National borders, for instance, are often seen as immutable lines on a map, but they are essentially human-made demarcations that can and have changed over time. Flags, anthems, and other national symbols serve as powerful tools to unite individuals under a common identity, often evoking strong emotions and a sense of pride.

Moreover, governments and institutions perpetuate the fiction of nationhood through laws, education systems, and public ceremonies. These elements contribute to a shared national narrative, instilling values and beliefs that align with the idea of a unified nation. For example, national holidays commemorate historical events deemed significant in the collective memory, reinforcing the notion of a continuous and coherent national story.

The role of modern media cannot be understated in this context. News outlets, social media platforms, and entertainment industries all play a part in maintaining and shaping national identities. They disseminate stories that resonate with the public’s sense of nationhood, whether by celebrating achievements, mourning losses, or rallying against perceived threats.

Future of Nations

Some scholars suggest that nation-states may not have a long lifespan due to globalization, supranational organizations, and transnational networks. For example, the European Union represents a move towards supranational governance, challenging the traditional notion of sovereign nation-states. The processes of globalization, including economic interdependence, the rise of multinational corporations, and international communication networks, are often seen as factors that could erode the sovereignty and relevance of nation-states. Scholars like Anthony Giddens discuss how globalization impacts traditional forms of governance and national identity.

Theories of cosmopolitanism and post-nationalism propose that future identities may be more global or regional rather than tied to specific nation-states. Ulrich Beck and other sociologists have explored the idea of a “cosmopolitan society” where global citizenship takes precedence over national citizenship.

By exploring the fiction of nations, we open the door to questioning how these constructs influence our perceptions, behaviours, and interactions on both a personal and global scale. This awareness can lead to a more nuanced understanding of international relations, global conflicts, and the potential for fostering more inclusive and flexible identities in an increasingly interconnected world.

⬅ Fiction Nation: The Concept of Fiction (section 1)

➡ Fiction Nation: Economies and Money as Fictions (section 3)