Globalization of Nation-States

The "melting pot" idea of America is unlike any other. Throughout the world countries or states are bounded by its people or its nation instead of the opportunity ideal of America. The idea of nation-states has become more prominent in the past 100 years. Look at the breakup of the Soviet Union. This giant state broke up and numerous nation-states derived from language and the ethnicity of the people in surrounding areas were the main contributors to its boundaries and sovereignty. Today in Iraq nations are divided by religion. The Sunni Muslims, once the controlling power yet the minority, has been ousted. The competition for power has created insurgency and animosity. "A group of Iraqi tribal sheiks have formed a political party aimed at capturing votes in a national election in December" (Tavernise). If the struggle for power does increase to yet another violent level a civil war could erupt for power and control. Iraq could break in two, Shiite and Sunni. This would support the ideas of a nation-state. Iraq and the Middle East in general is in a very volatile position. If Iraq were to erupt, worse then we see it today, a ripple effect could tear through the entire region. However do to the current make up of the region this will most likely not happen. These states are considered nation-states because of their makeup of population. America should embrace its melting pot tradition and not pour it out.

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Bibliography

Tavernise, Sabrinna. "A New Sunni Party Raises Hopes of More Political Participation." New York Times 7 Nov. 2005.

1. If your homeland was taken from you, what actions would you take to reclaim your land and at what point does violence become necessary? Is a nation-state really necessary?

2. How could you positively change the political unrest in countries warring? What could you say to make these people put down their arms?

3. Have you witnessed any diasporas in your hometown on smaller scale?