Imperialism, Nationalism, and Terrorism

Imperialism and nationalism are in stark contradiction of each other. Imperialism seeks to dominate and control a nation, essentially eliminate national identity through submission, while nationalism serves to empower national identity and inspire unity therein.  Powerful cultures have established rule over the weak throughout history, always asserting authority and control over their subjects.  Even if the ruling power does not force assimilation on its subjects, there are always laws that command submission and privileges for the dominant culture that elevate their people.  In the Islamic Empire, Muslims did not have to pay taxes, but instead had the honor of serving in the very successful Muslim army.  During the British Empire, the English made a valuable global market of slave trade and slave labor.  In a more abstract sense of “empire,” the U.S. has established control over weaker countries in its history.  It has controlled the Philippines as a colony and Puerto Rico as a territory, and has covertly controlled power changes to work in its favor in many countries.

It is almost impossible to promote nationalism with the control and submission inherent to imperialism.  A submissive government works beneath a superior control, and therefore cannot control its interests and agenda.  If the government does not work toward the advancement of its own culture, it squashes nationalism. Beyond inspiring pride, nationalism inspires revolution and fights for political power.  Throughout history, nationalism is constantly seen to be a cause for overthrow, independence, and domineering militancy.  The U.S., the Palestinians, and the Nazis are clear examples of this. 

This is where terrorism comes into play.  If nationalism can cause violent revolution and mass genocide, it can cause terrorism.  It is widely accepted in the world today that every culture has the right to its own state and government.  Conflict over this issue can be seen with Tibet, the Balkans, and Israel/Palestine.  In weakness and desperation, terrorism is sometimes seen as the only way for a group to gain the upper hand in a conflict.

The Middle East is the product of a broken empire, facing the struggle of forging independent national identities and acting upon these identities.  While territorial warfare was common and accepted in ancient times, it is presently unacceptable.  Those who have not yet forged nations face more than simple territorial warfare.  On top of warfare, they must navigate through global politics, economics, diplomacy, and morality.  In conflicts like that of Israel and Palestine, parties resort openly to terrorism because it has become an inherent part of the battle.