Israel/Palestine

Historically, what is the relationship between Imperialism, Nationalism and Terrorism and how have these ideas/movements shaped the modern Middle East?

Nationalism is a reaction against Imperialism, and Terrorism is sometimes used as a means to a Nationalist end. When many different peoples are controlled by one dominant power through an empire, they often feel like they aren't being culturally or religiously represented in government. They therefore begin thinking about having their own state, and Nationalism becomes the answer to their opression. However, empires are not usually willing to give up territory for the creation of new states, and when a group of people are filled with Nationalist fervor they may use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals, even Terrorism.

The Middle East was bound to have a strong Nationalist reaction, because it has been a part of various large empires for over 2000 years. It was bounced between the Romans, the Muslims, the Ottomans, and finally the British, before having the chance to establish independent countries in the 20th century. When that opportunity finally came, an influx of foreign Jews upset the process, and united an otherwise loosely identified "Arab people." The Jews themselves were driven into the region because of nationalism, and were unwilling to leave because they felt entitled to their own nation.

The current situation in the Middle East is bleak: Jews and Muslims employ violence and Terrorism driven by excessive Nationalism to control the same small plot of land. The issue wouldn't be so difficult to settle if their Nationalism didn't also have a religious motivation, but unfortunately religion ties both groups the region, making them unwilling to compromise territory. Israel/Palestine is destabalized further by the Terrorism that is fueled by Nationalism, which was set up by the Imperialism that defined the region for so long.