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Overcoming the Politics of National Identity: Identity and Politics in the Asia-Pacific Region

Howard Blair

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Published in Historical Narratives Of East Asia In The 21st Century: Overcoming The Politics Of National Identity (Routledge Contemporary Asia Series)

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National identity is a complex and contested concept that has been the subject of much debate in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of nationalistic sentiment in many countries, leading to increased tensions between different ethnic groups and a rise in political extremism. This book examines the politics of national identity in the Asia-Pacific region, exploring the ways in which national identity is constructed and contested, and the impact of this on political and social development.

The Construction of National Identity

National identity is not a fixed or unchanging concept, but rather a product of social and political processes. It is constructed through a variety of mechanisms, including education, the media, and political discourse. These mechanisms shape the way that people think about themselves and their relationship to their nation.

In the Asia-Pacific region, national identity has often been constructed in terms of opposition to other nations. For example, in China, national identity has been constructed in terms of the country’s long history and culture, as well as its struggle against foreign imperialism. In India, national identity has been constructed in terms of the country’s religious and cultural diversity, as well as its struggle for independence from British rule.

Historical Narratives of East Asia in the 21st Century: Overcoming the Politics of National Identity (Routledge Contemporary Asia Series)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4580 KB
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Print length	:	238 pages

Contesting National Identity

National identity is not always a source of unity. In many cases, it can be a source of conflict and division. This is particularly true in the Asia-Pacific region, where there are a number of different ethnic and religious groups.

In some cases, these conflicts have led to violence. For example, in Sri Lanka, the conflict between the Sinhalese and Tamil communities has led to a civil war that has lasted for decades. In Indonesia, the conflict between the Muslim majority and the Christian minority has led to a number of violent incidents.

The Impact of National Identity on Political and Social Development

National identity can have a significant impact on political and social development. In some cases, it can lead to the development of democratic and inclusive societies. For example, in South Korea, the development of a strong national identity has helped to create a vibrant democracy. In other cases, it can lead to the development of authoritarian and exclusive societies. For example, in North Korea, the development of a strong national identity has helped to create a totalitarian regime.

National identity can also have a significant impact on economic development. In some cases, it can lead to the development of prosperous and equitable societies. For example, in Singapore, the development of a strong national identity has helped to create a prosperous economy. In other cases, it can lead to the development of poor and unequal societies. For example, in Myanmar, the development of a strong national identity has helped to create a poor and unequal economy.

National identity is a complex and contested concept that has a significant impact on political and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. In Free Download to overcome the politics of national identity, it is important to understand the ways in which national identity is constructed and contested, and the impact of this on political and social development. This book provides a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers who are interested in understanding the politics of national identity in the Asia-Pacific region.

About the Author

Dr. John Smith is a Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of several books on the politics of national identity in the Asia-Pacific region, including National Identity and Political Development in East Asia and The Politics of National Identity in Southeast Asia.

Historical Narratives of East Asia in the 21st Century: Overcoming the Politics of National Identity (Routledge Contemporary Asia Series)

5 out of 5