NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Political science (Political Theory) Chapter 7 Nationalism

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 11th

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 7 Social Science Political Science

Class : 11th

Subject : Political science

Chapter : 7

Chapter Name : Nationalism

Q1 How is a nation different from other forms of collective belonging?

Answer. The idea of nation is very different from the other collective institutions like family,
religion, culture etc because all these respective groups belong to common religion or common
ethnic inclinations. The idea of a nation is based upon the common legacy and the common
history that is shared by different communities, altogether in a nation.

Q2 What do you understand by the right to national self-determination? How has this idea
resulted in both formation of and challenges to nation-states?

Answer. The right to national self determination pertains to an idea that the nation-states have
the right to decide whether they want to stay independent or join any other country. Right to
self-determination is the basic right of the people populating the conflictual lands like Palestine,
Kashmir etc.

The idea has resulted in the creation of various nations on the basis of their national legacy or a
particular identity shared by all but the same idea results in mass-tensions and also discloses
the emerging trends of fascism and authoritarianism in various geographies. In India, the valley
of Kashmir demands the right to self-determination as their basic right but the Indian
government often mopes the whole issue under the kaross of security and strategic issue.
Kashmir is the big challenge for India as it has been demanding the right to self-determination
for the past 70 years.

Q4 Neither descent, nor language, nor religion or ethnicity can claim to be a common factor in
nationalisms all over the world. Comment.

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 7 Social Science Political Science

Answer. Many countries all across the globe, are formed upon the similar identities of religion
and language enjoyed by the people. Canada is one such country which was formed in 1854
after the union, mainly on the basis of language but later on the diverse linguistic identities of
the people belonging to mainland and Quebec led to the creation of a federal nation. Pakistan is
also a towering specimen of a country wholly based upon religion of ‘Islam’. In conclusion, we
can state that the common descent, language and religion plays a very imperative role in the
formation of nations.

Q5 Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist
feelings.

Answer. The factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings are:
1. The common religious beliefs form an quintessential part in the rising of the nationalistic
feelings among the groups of the society. The institution of religion empowers the
feelings of patriotism and nationalism.
2. The common legacy and historical contextualisation of a society also unifies the
members of the nation into one nationality of same history and same deprivations.
3. The common ethnic and cultural associations also lead to the rise of sentiments of
nationalism as they are associated with the same geo-political identities.

Q6 How is a democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with
conflicting nationalist aspirations? Exercises

Answer. Democracy is more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting
nationalist aspirations as it promotes the essence of basic debate and discourse. The avenue of
conflicting interests belonging to different societal and political inequalities results in the
mass-conflict between the conflicting factions. The authoritarian governments are quite arbitrary
and force upon the turbulent areas while as the recognition of regional aspirations is imperative
for the success of such governments.

Q7 What do you think are the limitations of nationalism?

Answer. Some of the limitations of Nationalism are :

1. The ultra-nationalistic tendencies can result in the formation of authoritarian
governments on fascist lines.
2. Nationalism is very subjective, and can result in various interpretations of the term.
3. It can result in the tensions between various factions on communal and ethnic lines
resulting in mass violence.
4. It can legitimise the rule of governments on the basis of nationalism and being
discriminatory to one section of the society.

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Book : Political Theory Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 7 Social Science Political Science

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