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Nation Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Theories and History of Nations and Nationalism

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Theories and History of Nations and Nationalism Study Guide

Conceptualizing the Nation

A nation is conceptualized as a form of social organization characterized by a collective identity, which arises from shared attributes such as language, history, or culture.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definition provided aligns with common sociological and political science understandings of a nation as a group bound by shared characteristics and a collective identity.

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Benedict Anderson characterized a nation not as a community directly known by all its members, but rather as an imagined political community.

Answer: False

Explanation: Benedict Anderson's seminal concept is that of the 'imagined community,' emphasizing that members of a nation, however small, will never know most of their fellow members, yet they share a mental image of their communion.

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Anthony D. Smith's definition of a nation emphasizes cultural-political communities that are unaware of their distinct interests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anthony D. Smith defines nations as cultural-political communities that are precisely *aware* of their autonomy, unity, and distinct interests.

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Black's Law Dictionary suggests a nation can be synonymous with a state or country, requiring a defined territory and an independent government.

Answer: True

Explanation: This definition aligns with the legalistic perspective where a nation is often equated with a sovereign state, possessing defined territory and governmental authority.

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Thomas Hylland Eriksen posits that shared language is the primary distinguishing factor between nations and ethnic groups.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eriksen emphasizes the relationship with the state and political autonomy as the primary distinguishing factor between nations and ethnic groups, rather than solely shared language.

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Anthony D. Smith attributed the creation of a world of nations with significant global consequences, as national identity is inherently political.

Answer: True

Explanation: Smith argued that the formation of nations has profound global consequences because national identity is inherently political, meaning actions taken to forge it have geopolitical ramifications.

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Benedict Anderson highlighted that members of a nation often know most of their fellow members personally.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anderson's concept of the 'imagined community' emphasizes that members of a nation, even in the smallest nation, will likely never know most of their fellow members personally.

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Anthony D. Smith explored the role of myths and memories in shaping national identity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Anthony D. Smith's work, particularly 'Myths and Memories of the Nation,' extensively examines how collective myths and memories contribute to the formation and sustenance of national identity.

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The concept of a nation is primarily political, often implying a connection to a state or a desire for autonomy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The political dimension is central to the concept of a nation, often entailing a relationship with a state or aspirations for self-governance and autonomy.

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The definition of a nation includes shared features such as language, history, ethnicity, culture, territory, or society.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nations are typically understood as collective identities formed around a constellation of shared attributes, which can encompass language, history, ethnicity, culture, territory, and social bonds.

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Which of the following best defines a nation according to the provided source?

Answer: A social organization characterized by a collective identity developed from shared features like language, history, or culture.

Explanation: The source defines a nation as a social organization characterized by a collective identity derived from shared features such as language, history, or culture, distinguishing it from purely political, religious, or economic definitions.

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According to Benedict Anderson, what is a key characteristic of a nation?

Answer: It is an imagined political community where members share a mental image of communion.

Explanation: Benedict Anderson's concept of the 'imagined community' is central to his definition of a nation, highlighting that members share a collective mental image of their communion despite limited personal acquaintance.

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What does Anthony D. Smith emphasize in his definition of a nation?

Answer: Cultural-political communities aware of their autonomy, unity, and distinct interests.

Explanation: Anthony D. Smith defines nations as cultural-political communities that possess a consciousness of their own autonomy, unity, and distinct interests.

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How does Thomas Hylland Eriksen primarily distinguish nations from ethnic groups?

Answer: By their relationship with the state and political autonomy.

Explanation: Thomas Hylland Eriksen posits that the crucial distinction between nations and ethnic groups lies in their relationship with the state and their degree of political autonomy.

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According to Anthony D. Smith, why does the creation of a world of nations have profound global consequences?

Answer: Because national identity is inherently political and actions to forge it have geopolitical ramifications.

Explanation: Smith argues that the global impact of nations stems from the inherently political nature of national identity, meaning efforts to construct it carry significant geopolitical weight.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a shared feature that can contribute to a nation's collective identity?

Answer: Economic status

Explanation: While language, religion, ethnicity, culture, and territory are commonly cited as features contributing to national identity, economic status is not typically listed as a primary defining characteristic in this context.

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Black's Law Dictionary definition of a nation implies it can be synonymous with:

Answer: A state or country

Explanation: Black's Law Dictionary defines a nation in terms that align with the concept of a state or country, emphasizing a defined territory and an independent government.

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According to the source, what is the primary distinction between a nation and an ethnic group in terms of political orientation?

Answer: Nations are generally more overtly political and imply a connection to a state or desire for autonomy.

Explanation: The primary distinction highlighted is that nations tend to be more overtly political, often associated with a state or aspirations for political autonomy, compared to ethnic groups.

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Historical Roots and Etymology

The English word 'nation' entered the language in the 14th century, derived from the Latin word 'natio' meaning 'birth' or 'origin'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Etymological evidence indicates the word 'nation' entered English around the 14th century, tracing back to the Latin 'natio,' which signifies birth or origin.

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The Latin term 'natio' originally referred exclusively to political affiliations within the Roman Senate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Latin term 'natio' originally referred to groups sharing a common birth or origin, and by Cicero's time, it denoted people more broadly, not exclusively political affiliations within the Senate.

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In medieval universities like Prague, 'nationes' referred to academic departments based on subject matter.

Answer: False

Explanation: In medieval universities, 'nationes' referred to groups of students and colleagues organized by common origin, language, and customs, not by academic disciplines.

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The Knights Hospitaller segregated members by nationes at their hostels, with each nation having its own space and a leader.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that the Knights Hospitaller organized their members by 'nationes' within their hostels, assigning separate spaces and leaders to each group.

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The Latin word 'natio' literally means 'a political alliance'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Latin word 'natio' literally means 'birth' or 'origin,' referring to a group of people sharing the same lineage or origin.

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When the English word 'nation' entered the language, it primarily referred to a specific type of government structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon entering the English language, the word 'nation' primarily referred to a race or a group of people sharing common ancestry and language, not a governmental structure.

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The Latin term 'natio' was used by Cicero to refer to people.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical linguistic analysis indicates that by the time of Cicero, the Latin term 'natio' was indeed used to refer to groups of people.

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What is the etymological root of the English word 'nation'?

Answer: The Latin word 'natio' meaning 'birth' or 'origin'.

Explanation: The English word 'nation' derives from the Latin term 'natio,' which signifies birth or origin, reflecting an ancestral or lineage-based grouping.

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In medieval universities, the term 'natio' referred to:

Answer: Groups of students and colleagues sharing common origins and language.

Explanation: In medieval universities, 'natio' denoted groups of students and scholars who shared common origins, language, and customs, such as the four nations at the University of Prague.

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The Latin word 'natio', from which 'nation' is derived, literally means:

Answer: That which has been born; birth or origin.

Explanation: The Latin term 'natio' literally translates to 'birth' or 'origin,' referring to the lineage or place from which a group originates.

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Theories of Nation Formation

The scholarly consensus views nations as ancient, unchanging entities that have existed throughout human history.

Answer: False

Explanation: The prevailing scholarly consensus regards nations as socially constructed, historically contingent, and distinctly modern phenomena, rather than ancient and unchanging.

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Most scholars agree that nations are a very recent phenomenon, emerging only in the 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the consensus is that nations are modern constructs, the emergence is generally placed around the late 18th or 19th century, not exclusively the 20th century. Some scholars debate earlier origins.

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Primordialism suggests that nations are modern constructs that emerged due to industrialization.

Answer: False

Explanation: Primordialism posits that nations are natural, ancient entities, whereas the view that nations are modern constructs emerging from industrialization aligns with modernization theory.

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Ethnosymbolism emphasizes the role of symbols, myths, and traditions in the formation and development of nations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ethnosymbolism, as a theoretical approach, highlights the significance of cultural elements such as symbols, myths, and traditions in the genesis and evolution of nations.

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Modernization theory views nations as natural entities that have always existed.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modernization theory posits that nations are socially constructed phenomena that emerged as a consequence of modernization processes like industrialization and mass education, contrasting with the view of nations as natural, pre-existing entities.

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Carl Darling Buck stated that nationality is primarily based on objective factors like shared territory and language.

Answer: False

Explanation: Carl Darling Buck's 1916 study concluded that nationality is fundamentally a subjective sentiment of unity, based on diverse factors but not primarily objective ones like territory or language alone.

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The scholarly consensus is that nations are natural, biological entities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The scholarly consensus views nations as social constructs and modern phenomena, rather than natural or biological entities.

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The scholarly consensus is that nations are ancient phenomena that have always existed in their current form.

Answer: False

Explanation: The prevailing scholarly view posits that nations are modern, socially constructed phenomena, not ancient entities that have remained static throughout history.

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What is the prevailing scholarly view on the nature and historical timing of nations?

Answer: Nations are socially constructed, historically contingent, and distinctly modern phenomena.

Explanation: The dominant scholarly consensus views nations not as natural or ancient entities, but as social constructs that emerged historically, particularly with the advent of modernity.

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Which perspective suggests that nations have always existed and nationalism is a natural phenomenon?

Answer: Primordialism

Explanation: Primordialism is the perspective that posits nations and nationalism are natural, enduring phenomena that have always existed, though it is less favored in academic circles compared to constructivist approaches.

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What does Ethnosymbolism emphasize as crucial in the development of nations?

Answer: Symbols, myths, and traditions

Explanation: Ethnosymbolism highlights the critical role of symbols, myths, and traditions in the formation and ongoing development of nations and nationalism.

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Modernization theory proposes that nationalism emerged due to processes like:

Answer: Industrialization, urbanization, and mass education.

Explanation: Modernization theory posits that nationalism arose as a consequence of societal transformations such as industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of mass education.

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According to Carl Darling Buck's 1916 study, what is nationality essentially based upon?

Answer: A subjective, active sentiment of unity within a group.

Explanation: Carl Darling Buck concluded that nationality is fundamentally a subjective sentiment of unity within a group, encompassing diverse factors but centered on an active feeling of belonging.

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Historical Perspectives and Case Studies

Adrian Hastings viewed the Jews as a proto-nation due to their long-standing cohesive identity and eventual Zionism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adrian Hastings identified the Jews as a unique 'proto-nation,' citing their sustained cohesive identity over millennia and the development of Zionism as key evidence.

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Anthony D. Smith considered the Jews of the late Second Temple period as a poor approximation of the ideal nation in the ancient world.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anthony D. Smith described the Jews of the late Second Temple period as providing a remarkably close approximation to the ideal type of the nation within the ancient world.

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Susan Reynolds argued that medieval European kingdoms could not function as nations because nationalism was not yet a concept.

Answer: False

Explanation: Susan Reynolds contended that many medieval European kingdoms functioned as nations in a manner analogous to modern ones, despite the absence of modern nationalism as a widespread concept.

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Adrian Hastings suggested Alfred the Great's actions, like translating biblical books, aimed to inspire the English against invaders and demonstrated early English nationalism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adrian Hastings argued that Alfred the Great's mobilization of English identity, through measures like translating biblical texts into Old English, represented an early form of English nationalism aimed at resisting foreign invasion.

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John Breuilly criticized Adrian Hastings for assuming that the continued use of a term like 'English' implies a consistent historical identity.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Breuilly critiqued interpretations that assume continuity of identity based solely on the persistent use of terms like 'English,' arguing that the meaning and identity associated with such terms can evolve significantly.

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Patrick J. Geary argued that recurring names for groups always indicate a direct, unbroken continuity of identity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Patrick J. Geary cautioned against assuming continuity of identity based solely on recurring names, arguing that such names could be adapted to different circumstances, masking radical discontinuity.

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Florin Curta cited the Medieval Bulgarian nation, supported by Orthodox Christianity and the Cyrillic script, as an example of an earlier distinct identity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Florin Curta identified the Medieval Bulgarian nation as a potential example of an earlier distinct identity, bolstered by the adoption of Orthodox Christianity and the development of the Cyrillic script.

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Anthony Kaldellis asserts that the Byzantine Empire was fundamentally different from the Roman Empire and ceased to be a nation-state.

Answer: False

Explanation: Anthony Kaldellis argues that the Byzantine Empire represented a transformation of the Roman Empire into a nation-state during the Middle Ages, rather than a fundamental divergence.

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Azar Gat proposed that China, Korea, and Japan were not considered nations until after the European Middle Ages.

Answer: False

Explanation: Azar Gat proposed that China, Korea, and Japan were already recognized as nations by the time of the European Middle Ages.

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Patrick J. Geary criticizes historians for conflating early medieval group identities with modern ones, calling it a myth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Patrick J. Geary critiques the tendency to project modern notions of identity onto early medieval groups, labeling the conflation of these distinct identities as a historical myth.

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Sami Zubaida observed that in historical multinational empires, shared ethnicity was always the primary basis for ruler-ruled identification.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sami Zubaida noted that in many historical multinational empires, shared ethnicity was often secondary to other factors in establishing ruler-ruled identification and support.

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Paul Lawrence argued that Bede's Ecclesiastical History clearly demonstrates a modern concept of English national identity among the populace.

Answer: False

Explanation: Paul Lawrence critiqued the interpretation of Bede's work as evidence of modern English national identity, suggesting that medieval concepts of identity differed and that such texts primarily reflected elite perspectives.

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Philip S. Gorski argues that the Dutch Republic was the first modern nation-state, based on biblical nationalism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Philip S. Gorski posits that the Dutch Republic represents the first modern nation-state, founded upon a fully developed political nationalism rooted in biblical nationalism.

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Liah Greenfeld claimed nationalism was invented in France around the 17th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Liah Greenfeld argued that nationalism was invented in England by approximately 1600, identifying England as the world's first nation.

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Ernest Renan argued that nations are sustained not only by shared memories but also by collective forgetting.

Answer: True

Explanation: In his influential lecture 'What is a Nation?', Ernest Renan famously argued that the collective memory of past glories, alongside the collective forgetting of certain historical events, is crucial for national cohesion.

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Adrian Hastings argued that the Jews were the only exception to his view of nations as predominantly Christian phenomena.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adrian Hastings identified the Jews as a unique exception to his general thesis, considering them the primary 'proto-nation' due to their enduring cohesive identity.

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Susan Reynolds argued that medieval European kingdoms functioned as nations, but only for the elite.

Answer: True

Explanation: Susan Reynolds proposed that many medieval European kingdoms exhibited characteristics of nations, with national identity and participation largely confined to a literate and prosperous elite.

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John Breuilly cautioned that the consistent use of a name like 'English' does not guarantee a consistent historical identity.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Breuilly warned against assuming historical continuity of identity solely based on the persistent use of a term like 'English,' highlighting the potential for semantic drift and redefinition.

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Patrick J. Geary agrees with Breuilly that recurring names can create a false sense of continuity in group identities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Patrick J. Geary concurred with Breuilly's critique, emphasizing that recurring group names can obscure radical discontinuities in identity and historical experience.

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Adrian Hastings identified which group as a unique 'proto-nation' due to their long-standing cohesive identity?

Answer: The Jews

Explanation: Adrian Hastings designated the Jews as a singular 'proto-nation,' citing their sustained cohesive identity over millennia and their eventual pursuit of Zionism.

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Susan Reynolds' argument regarding medieval European kingdoms suggests they:

Answer: Functioned as nations in a modern sense, despite limited elite participation.

Explanation: Susan Reynolds argued that many medieval European kingdoms exhibited national characteristics, functioning as nations even though participation in national identity was largely restricted to the elite.

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What criticism did John Breuilly level against interpretations of historical terms like 'English'?

Answer: The continued usage of a term does not necessarily imply continuity in its meaning or identity.

Explanation: John Breuilly critiqued the assumption that the persistent use of a term like 'English' automatically signifies an unbroken historical identity, emphasizing the potential for reinterpretation and change.

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Florin Curta cites which group as a potential example of an earlier nation, supported by religious and linguistic developments?

Answer: The Medieval Bulgarians

Explanation: Florin Curta points to the Medieval Bulgarians as an example of an earlier nation, supported by the adoption of Orthodox Christianity and the development of the Cyrillic script, which fostered a distinct identity.

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According to Anthony Kaldellis, the entity known as the Byzantine Empire was actually:

Answer: The Roman Empire transformed into a nation-state.

Explanation: Anthony Kaldellis argues that the Byzantine Empire represented the Roman Empire's transformation into a nation-state during the medieval period.

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What is Patrick J. Geary's main criticism regarding historians who argue for the existence of earlier nations?

Answer: They fail to recognize the differences between early medieval and contemporary group identities.

Explanation: Patrick J. Geary criticizes historians for conflating early medieval group identities with modern ones, arguing that this projection creates a myth and fails to acknowledge the distinct historical contexts.

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Philip S. Gorski argues that the Dutch Republic was the first modern nation-state, founded on what basis?

Answer: Biblical nationalism

Explanation: Philip S. Gorski contends that the Dutch Republic was the inaugural modern nation-state, established upon a foundation of biblical nationalism.

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Liah Greenfeld claimed that nationalism was invented in which country by approximately 1600?

Answer: England

Explanation: Liah Greenfeld posited that nationalism originated in England around 1600, identifying England as the world's first nation.

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Ernest Renan argued that a nation is sustained not only by shared memories but also by:

Answer: Collective forgetting.

Explanation: Ernest Renan famously stated that a nation's sustenance relies on both shared memories and the collective act of forgetting certain past events or grievances.

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What did Ernest Renan state about the formation and sustenance of a nation in his lecture 'What is a Nation?'

Answer: It is a daily referendum, involving both shared memories and collective forgetting.

Explanation: Ernest Renan argued that a nation is sustained through a continuous process, akin to a 'daily referendum,' which involves both the preservation of shared memories and the collective act of forgetting.

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Nationalism and the Modern State

Nationalism, the ideology advocating for the alignment of state and nation, became prominent before the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: While attachments to kin and tradition existed earlier, nationalism as a distinct ideology advocating for the alignment of state and nation gained prominence primarily towards the end of the 18th century.

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The civic nation is conceptualized as being centered on shared ethnic origins and a common language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The civic nation is conceptualized as being centered on shared political values and a willingness to live together, often traced to the French Revolution, whereas the ethnic nation emphasizes shared origins and language.

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The ethnic nation concept is linked to early 19th-century German philosophers and emphasizes shared language, religion, and ethnic origins.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of the ethnic nation, associated with figures like Johann Gottlieb Fichte, emphasizes shared language, religion, culture, history, and ethnic origins as defining characteristics.

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Samuel P. Huntington predicts future global conflict will primarily stem from economic disparities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Samuel P. Huntington's thesis posits that future global conflicts will primarily be along cultural and religious lines, rather than economic disparities.

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Postnationalism describes a trend where nation-states and national identities gain importance due to globalization.

Answer: False

Explanation: Postnationalism describes a trend where nation-states and national identities lose importance relative to supranational and global entities, driven by factors like economic globalization and technological advancements.

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Jan Zielonka suggests the future structure of political power will resemble the medieval model more than the Westphalian one, characterized by overlapping authorities and divided sovereignty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jan Zielonka posits a 'neo-medieval' future characterized by overlapping authorities and divided sovereignty, contrasting with the clear-cut, singular sovereignty of the Westphalian nation-state model.

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Nationalism, as an ideology, gained prominence in the early 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nationalism as a prominent ideology advocating for the alignment of state and nation emerged more significantly towards the end of the 18th century.

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When did nationalism, the ideology advocating for the alignment of state and nation, become a prominent force?

Answer: By the end of the 18th century.

Explanation: Nationalism as a political ideology advocating for the congruence of state and nation gained significant prominence towards the close of the 18th century.

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Which type of nation is conceptualized as being centered on a willingness to live together, often traced to the French Revolution?

Answer: The civic nation

Explanation: The civic nation is conceptualized as being founded upon a shared commitment to live together and uphold common political values, an idea often traced to the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.

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The ethnic nation concept, linked to figures like Johann Gottlieb Fichte, emphasizes shared:

Answer: Language, religion, culture, history, and ethnic origins.

Explanation: The ethnic nation concept, associated with early 19th-century German philosophers, defines a nation based on shared elements such as language, religion, culture, history, and ethnic origins.

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Samuel P. Huntington's thesis predicts that future global conflict will primarily be along which lines?

Answer: Cultural and religious lines.

Explanation: Samuel P. Huntington's influential 'clash of civilizations' thesis posits that future global conflicts will predominantly occur along cultural and religious fault lines.

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What is postnationalism characterized by?

Answer: The decline in importance of nation-states relative to global entities.

Explanation: Postnationalism signifies a trend where the significance of nation-states and national identities diminishes in favor of supranational bodies and global interconnectedness.

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Jan Zielonka compares the future structure of political power to the medieval model, characterized by:

Answer: Overlapping authorities and divided sovereignty.

Explanation: Jan Zielonka suggests a future political landscape resembling the medieval era, marked by overlapping authorities and divided sovereignty, rather than the clear-cut Westphalian model.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to the trend of postnationalism?

Answer: Increased importance of national borders

Explanation: Postnationalism is characterized by a decline in the importance of nation-states and national borders, driven by factors like globalization and technology, not their increased importance.

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What did Francis Fukuyama argue in 'The End of History and the Last Man' regarding the global ideological landscape?

Answer: That liberal democracy and capitalist free markets represented the final ideological alternatives.

Explanation: Francis Fukuyama argued that the global ideological evolution had reached its culmination with the universal triumph of liberal democracy and free-market capitalism.

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