The two grand strands in national identity can be uneasy bedfellows

Since the French Revolution and Napoleon’s military artistry western commentators have readily emphasised the political dimension of nationalism, represented by state institutions, and the social element that is connected to cultural expressions has received less attention. With the evident energy of the Islamic world in its contact, some see it as conflict, with ‘the West’ and in the increasing competition within Islam between the Sunni and Shia sects, the cultural creation of social identity, and thereby an influence on national identity, receives more attention. The ‘Islamic World’, especially Syria and Egypt, illustrate this political and social tension. Europe is not free from these situations; the Basque independence movement is an example.

Contributor: Geoff Williams. Sempringham [ehistory.org.uk] eLearning Office.