- Position1 of 3›
Yes, nationalism predated nation states.
This position holds that nationalism predated the nation state. It argues there is strong evidence of nationalist-like behaviour in societies long before the modern nation state existed—pointing to the national identity of ancient Greek city states and casting nationalism as a form of tribalism.
Supporting arguments · 3
- Nationalism is a form of tribalismTribalism: the behaviour and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one's own tribe or social group
- Greek city states had a national identityGreek city states rallied under a banner to defend their city against the Persian empire.
- Not all countries or states are nation statesMany countries are made up of a large mix of different ethnic and social groups who live together based on their geographical proximity, not because they belong to the same nation.