Changes in the concept of nationalism 爱国主义的变迁.docVIP

Changes in the concept of nationalism 爱国主义的变迁 ● 李路曲 By Li Luqu 　　Nationalism can be defined as a deep sense of loyalty and devotion that one feels for ones own race and country. It is a set of emotions that is nurtured over thousands of years. And as agrarian communities give way to modern urban societies, nationalism today has also evolved into a form that is quite different from the ancient one that we know of. 　　Nationalism in the old days did not just refer to loyalty to the country. It was closely tied up with loyalty to the emperor or sovereign king. Both were inseparable. Chinese general Yue Feis undivided loyalty to the country and the Song emperor (who was misled by corrupt court officials) was what led to his tragic death years ago. 　　Empirical evidences also showed that early nationalism had its origin in regional and blood ties. Unless a grouping was assured that the interests of its own families and communities were met, it would be difficult for them to fulfil their duties and obligations to the country. This was why when a new emperor was enthroned, he would confer titlesand territories to his kinsmen. Such feudal practices were also common among regional government officials. The wider sense of patriotism to the emperor and country could only bestimulated in turbulent times when a country was in danger of invasion by outside forces. 　　This form of early nationalism was suitable for old economies that were basically agrarian in nature, and interdependence and communication links among them were limited. Under these circumstances, rulers resorted to power politics to preserve their territories and their system of government. And power politics went hand in hand with nepotism and cronyism. 　　Actually, it is not difficult to understand why ancient rulers behaved in this manner. In primeval times, tribal chiefs and their members had to resort to power to ensure the survival of their whole community. 　　Today, however, a different perspective of nat