The Duality of Nationalism. Example Korea

Book excerpt: Document from the year 2018 in the subject Politics - Other International Politics Topics, grade: 1.3, , language: English, abstract: Nationalism has been compared to a double-edged sword because it can either be a blessing, and consequently unite the people, or it can be a curse because of its divisive capability. Nationalism preys on the emotive aspiration of a community or an ethnic group. In Korea, nationalism has had much to do with the nations turbulent past as well as the years of modern transformation when it was used as force anti-colonialism and modernization. Today, it is still a source of pride and inspiration for many Koreans and still functions as a important ideological anchor for national unification of the divided Korea. On the other hand, nationalism has exacted a heavy toll to the Korean society in terms o their culture and political development. Many scholars hold the opinion that it has marginalized many competing voices in the name of the immortal nation as well as being a weapon of suppressing the civic rights and the freedom of the citizens. Korea is still battling with the task of transforming the national identity which is based on common ancestry into a cohesive democratic identity.