Arab Nationalism

The formation of states in modern history is largely based on nationalism. Apart from very few states such as the US, Israel, India, and a number of others, the majority of world states are characterized by a national identity which is shared by the majority of their populations. Nationalism did not develop due to the formation of modern states, but rather inversely, states were based on the development of nationalism during the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries (“Nationalism, p.1). Nationalism is a common feature and development witnessed among the majority of world communities and groups. Like other national movements, Arab nationalism has also developed as the moving force of liberation movements throughout the Arab world during the twentieth century. Arab nationalism is a movement that has grown out of western colonial repression and Israeli aggression on Arab lands. Arab nationalism has failed so far because attempts have been made to make it precede economic, social and political development and maturity among the Arabs.

The first spark that started nationalism as a human movement was the French Revolution in 1789. For the first time in history, a state was formed on the basis of national origins and interests. The century that followed witnessed a large number of developments in Europe, especially the development of nationalism in central and southern Europe, resulting in the creation of Germany and Italy as nation states (“Nationalism,” p.1). Nationalism in Europe resulted from several major developments such as the progress in education, communications and transportation, in addition to politics and economics, all which made people aware of their common features and differences at the same time. The need for economic growth and political power also contributed to the development of nationalism among these countries until in the end, Europe was divided into nation states (“Nationalism,” p.1).

Similarly, the Arabs developed their national feelings...