Nationalism is one of the most powerful forces driving politics. It is a sentiment constantly reinforced by the state through rituals and symbols to legitimize itself.
The confrontation between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea is driven as much by the nationalist sentiments of their respective publics as it is by the cold calculation of modern diplomatic practice.
Ironically, both Beijing and Manila are in a deathly embrace in this continuing squabble over a few rocks littering the South China Sea. Neither can yield anything under pain of provoking massive domestic disillusionment.A very influential congregation of business groups came together to issue a statement condemning China’s forceful interception of Filipino vessels out to resupply our Marine outpost at the BRP Sierra Madre.
I could imagine why our security officials were so anxious to call that press conference. The clear and present danger did not come from the Chinese flotilla assembled in what we prefer to call the West Philippine Sea. The danger came from the possibility that rabble-rousers of every stripe would exploit the incident and indulge in another intense round of anti-China carnivals.
Nationalism, beyond certain parameters, could quickly transform into jingoism. When it does, it will become a truly destructive force. It does not help that some of our politicians are recklessly speaking about an “invasion” in progress. That only feeds into degenerative emotions. TAIPEI – Just across the Luzon Strait from Batanes is the southern tip of Taiwan, home to Kenting with its nature parks and ecotourism, and the city of Kaohsiung, which is positioning itself as a center for...
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The ambiguity of freedom and nationalismLast of a series
Read more »
Show nationalism by supporting local this Independence Day 2024Defining the News
Read more »
The ambiguity of freedom and nationalismFourth of a series
Read more »
The ambiguity of freedom and nationalism: TransitionsThird of a series
Read more »
CRUCIBLE: Pilipino para sa Palestino(Talumpati sa kumperensya na may temang “Pilipino para sa Palestino Nagkakaisang tindig laban sa Imperyalismo” na inorganisa ng Youth for Nationalism and
Read more »
Four centuries later, free masonry still inspires Filipino menFree masonry is an intellectual movement that dates to as far back as 1717 in England and spread across Europe based on nationalism.
Read more »