The Rational and the Irrational in Nationalism

Abstract

In comparison to other questions related to nationalism (for example, is nationalism more a pre‐modern or modern phenomenon? Is it more of a political or ethno‐cultural nature?), relatively little attention has been devoted to the question of whether nationalism is more rational or irrational. Weber's definition of instrumentally rational and value‐rational action has been used in this analysis to determine to what extent nationalism is rational or irrational. The analysis has focused mainly on those concepts of nationalism and those phenomena associated with nationalism that are predominantly irrational or extra‐rational. Some psychological and anthropological constants constitute the irrational (extra‐rational) side of nationalism. Nationalism as a Janus‐faced phenomenon comprises the irrational (extra‐rational) and the rational. The rational and irrational overlap quite profoundly in numerous manifestations of nationalist behaviour.

Individual Choice and State-Led Nationalist Mobilization in China

“…As demonstrated above, this research contributes to the debate on what motivates nationalist behavior, material self-interests or emotions (Connor 1994;Kecmanovic 2005;Breton 1995). I do not deny that emotive nationalism of the masses facilitates state mobilization.…”

“…Kecmanovic (2005) argues that "rational choice theory cannot explain the passion with which individuals stick to nationalist views and beliefs." Many theorists reject the instrumentalist explanation because of the passions people demonstrate in nationalist movements.…”

Secessionist conflict as diversion from inequality: The missing link between grievance and repression

“…Research indicates that rulers weigh the diversionary opportunity of targeting a minority with its ability to mobilize and, thereby, increase the costs to the ruler (Klein and Tokdemir, 2019). Minority groups in their turn can behave strategically and try to avoid being targeted (Martinez Machain and Rosenberg, 2018).…”

The Banality of Boundaries: Performance of the Nation in a Japanese Television Comedy

“…The reason for this may be that, as Walker Connor (1994) has argued, it is not enough to approach national forms of identification as a rational process with a determined end, as doing so ignores its emotional pull. Certainly, the extent to which nationalism can be considered rational is debatable (see Kecmanovic, 2005). However, a trend in the literature has been identified that takes Japanese cultural nationalism, and with it the Nihonjinron, at face value as a phenomenon.…”