Politics of Western Europe
Politics of Western EuropeBLOOD AND BELONGING
This is a critique of the book, Blood and Belonging, by Michael
Ignatieff. This paper will explain the subject of the book and its
relevance, discuss Michael Ignatieff’s methods and conclusions on the
subject and finally include a personal critique of the book by the
author of this paper.
The author of the book travels on what he terms “the six
journeys.” On these “journeys” he encounters different cultures, as he
travels to six different coinciding areas of the world. He examines
the unique expression of nationalism that each populace displays by
interviewing various members of that particular society. The six areas
that he travels to are specifically chosen for the clarity which
nationalism is expressed in society. Nationalism is a factor
contributing toward both present possible future instability in these
areas.
These areas are former Yugoslavia (specifically Croatia and
Serbia), Germany, Ukraine, Quebec, Kurdistan and Northern Ireland.
According to Ignatieff, in Croatia and Serbia there is a desire for a
separate identity between the two nations. The fear of losing one’s
national identity has caused ethnic hatred. A terror so strong and
historically persistent, it has driven people to a desperate state to
do anything. This is a large contributor to the reasons for the extreme
violence present there today. The author states, “A Croat, thus, is
someone who is not a Serb. A Serb is someone who is not a Croat.”
This quotation profoundly expresses the short-sighted mentality present
in their conflict.
In his travels in Germany, the author points out an important
question. Does the nation make the state, or the state the nation?
This question by far does not stop here, especially when Germany is the
subject. The essence of the German people is seen by some as aggressive
and offensive, thus the existence of the German problem. If the nation
makes the state then Germany will always be a threat. If the state
makes the nation, then the aggressive nature of the German nation, which
lead the world into two global wars, can be harnessed and redirected.
The question has its roots and answers in the recent reunification of
Germany.
The Ukraine is concerned with not being Russian. It is here
Ignatieff receives a complete vision of what nationalism is. He states,
“I understand what nationalism really is: the dream that a whole nation
could be like a congregation; singing the same hymns, listening to the
same gospel, sharing the same emotions, linked not only to each other
but to the dead buried beneath their feet.”
Quebec is a...
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