National Identity Research Articles

The Australian Identity: Through the Othering of China

This article deconstructs the Australian national identity through the “othering” of China amidst the coronavirus pandemic. During this time, Australia–China relations reached one of their lowest points in recent history. It examines the diplomatic fallout and the media frames used to portray China in the image of mistrust, fear, threat, and a place of disease and sickness. Through this process of “othering,” the Australian media reassigned and redefined its national identity and what it meant to be an Australian in the global order. The article engages with public discourse, highlighting the media's influence in narrating, shaping, and reinforcing the values of the national identity. It argues that these negative perceptions of China, place China in the seat of the “other” and serve to juxtapose and strengthen the Australian identity that is democratic, liberal, free, and just.

Традиции и современность: культурное самосознание

The article examines the role of traditions in the formation of cultural identity in modern society. It analyzes the works of both domestic and foreign scholars concerning the essence and features of cultural traditions and national identity. The necessity for a more detailed study of the role of traditions in shaping cultural self-consciousness in the modern world is identified. The study reveals that at the basis of the examined phenomenon lies cultural identity, which is defined as an individual’s ability to evaluate themselves within the context of the cultural group to which they belong. Cultural identity facilitates the development of specific behaviors, values, and worldviews. It is established that by embracing cultural traditions, individuals enhance their cultural self-consciousness and cultivate an understanding of their place in the modern world. Furthermore, it has been determined that the strength and uniqueness of cultural affiliation render relationships within multicultural communities more harmonious, while also contributing to the individual’s success in their endeavors. Consequently, it is concluded that cultural traditions serve as the foundation of all occurrences in the modern world. They influence various spheres of nation’s life, aiding in the construction of a more advanced future.

‘Stacheldrahtpoesie’ – German poetry in British internment camp newspapers during the First World War

ABSTRACT In general, poems are a well-researched source of the First World War. This paper analyses the previously unresearched nature and purposes of German poems found in civilian internment camp newspapers in Britain and the Isle of Man between 1915 and 1918. It looks at the specific themes of national and other identities, namely heroism, victimhood, and informal communities. Through an in-depth textual analysis, it argues that the poems functioned as a therapeutic tool to vent extreme emotions, defuse problems, and comment on discourses present in the camps themselves. They helped to reassure the internees in their identity as inmates as well as to voice and combat their struggles.

What Did Romanian Mean to Ion? Moving Beyond Methodological Nationalism through Keith Hitchins’s Pedagogy

This article discusses the tension created in Keith Hitchins’s work between his constructivist approach to the nation and his adherence to a certain type of methodological nationalism. Examining Hitchins’s The Romanians , 1774–1866 through the lens of his pedagogy, the article posits that his commitment to methodological nationalism and his use of language associated with this approach obscured his understated argument on the constructed nature of Romanian national identity. It explores the impact of Hitchins’s scholarship and teaching on my own research to show why moving beyond the language of methodological nationalism is important and offers suggestions for doing so.

VOTEMAT: A Blockchain Based Voting System

This study aims to show that a secure, trustable and immutable voting system can be established with Blockchain technology. Decentralized structure of the Blockchain excludes the central authority and provides transparency. Moreover, its cryptographic functions enable secure transactions. Therefore, the operation is prevented from potential frauds, such as multiple votes, fake vote attempts, and fraudulent vote counts. The proposed method, VOTEMAT, covers both electronic voting and paper ballot as a complete solution. A mobile application and a Website, connected to Ethereum private Blockchain network, were developed for the voters who prefer to cast their votes remotely. It is also possible to vote in the voting centres via the mobile device or paper ballot placed in the vote boxes; but these votes are also recorded in the same Blockchain and equally secure. For the remote users, a two-step authentication is designed, based on the information on the national identity card and face recognition. An additional encryption based security measure is used to avoid hacking attempts, such as man in the middle attacks. Since the proposed system is more practical than the traditional voting methods, it can increase the participation and be utilized in all kinds of local or national elections.

Far-right Ecology and Geopolitical Resentment at Europe’s Periphery: The Case of Romania’s “Conservative Revolution”

Building on insights from political geography and the social sciences, this paper illuminates the diversity of European far-right politics in general and far-right ecologism in particular by contextually examining a party at Europe’s margins—the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR). Based on a discursive thematic analysis, our objective is to show how AUR challenges existing theoretical accounts, predominantly tethered to the Western and Central European experiences. While most influential scholars emphasize far right’s culturalized view of religion and the fixation on immigration, AUR outlines a theological vision of politics and perceives emigration as a critical problem. Moreover, it co-opts the language of anticolonialism to articulate a socio-ecological critique of global extractive capitalism in a semi-peripheral context. These specificities are essential for understanding the party’s outlier position within far-right ecologism: AUR places the environment at the very centre of its programme—and not merely as a strategic add-on to attract voters or respond to domestic or external pressures. To substantiate our claims, we reconstruct three dimensions of its hyper-nationalist, Orthodox geographical imaginary: AUR’s complex, human, and natural resource nationalism; its focus on food sovereignty and the Romanian peasant as an exemplar of sustainable agriculture; and the protection of “the last virgin forests in Europe” as central to Romania’s national identity and prosperity. We conclude that AUR effectively mobilizes historical geopolitical resentment at Europe’s margins and addresses it with a promise of recovered plenitude that endangers democratic politics.

Trespassing boundaries between national identities: the metamorphosis of Vojtech Tuka from a Hungarian academic to a Slovak prime minister

ABSTRACT Béla Tuka started his career as a Hungarian academic, but later he transformed into a Slovak nationalist politician, and renamed himself Vojtech Tuka. In 1939, he became the prime minister of the Nazi-oriented Slovak State. This study intends to reveal, how national narratives struggled to interpret this life path. After national explanations of trespassing the cultural boundaries between Slovak and Hungarian national identity did not prove to be coherent and convincing, the memory of Vojtech Tuka has been disregarded by both (opposing) national groups, mutually, since it questions the organic existence of nations and their boundaries.

Conventionalized impoliteness formulae in third-party assessments

Abstract The paper examines the ideological work accomplished by the use of conventionalized impoliteness formulae in third person reference, when the person being criticized or brought into disrepute is not present in the here-and-now of interaction. Drawing on Interactional Linguistics and data from audio-recorded informal face-to-face Greek conversations, the study shows that speakers mobilize conventionalized impoliteness formulae, along with other linguistic resources, in the course of third-party assessments to evaluate sociocultural experience, and establish interlocutors’ shared negative affective stance toward the third party picked on due to their national group membership. This practice reproduces everyday nationalism that unites offenders against national ‘others’. The study enhances our understanding of the recontextualization of conventionalized impoliteness formulae in talk-in-interaction, and the role of affective stance in the discursive formation of (national) identities.

Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther: The birth of nation‐states

AbstractThis article explores the interaction between Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther's Reformation in fostering the emergence of nation‐states in Europe. It argues that the emphasis on individualism, critical thinking, and a return to classical ideals during the Renaissance provided a fertile ground for Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church's authority. Luther's Reformation, with its focus on Scripture and a direct relationship between believer and God, further eroded the Church's control and transnational influence. This convergence of intellectual and religious transformations created a space for the development of distinct national identities and the consolidation of power by European monarchs. The article will examine how these movements challenged the existing political and religious order, ultimately contributing to the rise of nation‐states as the dominant political entity in Europe.

The Hashemite Regime on Jordanian Postage Stamps: A Visual History of Nation-Building

This study will examine the political use of stamps to preserve the Hashemite heritage. It will focus on how Jordanian stamps combine images of the Hashemite royal family with Arab, Islamic, and Palestine-themed symbols to strengthen the legitimacy and stability of the Hashemite monarchy and develop a Jordanian national identity. In the first period (1921–1947), stamps emphasized images of King Abdullah I, founder and first monarch of the Emirate of Transjordan, to bolster legitimacy of Hashemite rule in Transjordan and forge a bond between Transjordanians and Hashemites. In the second period (1948–1967), Palestine motifs complimented images of the Hashemites to construct a hybrid identity consisting of one Jordanian family including Transjordanians and Palestinians. In the third period (1972–1999), Transjordanian, Arab and Islamic, and military themes accompanied Hashemite images. This tumultuous period witnessed Israel’s conquest of the West Bank, the 1971 Black September insurgency between the Jordanian army and fedayeen, and King Hussein’s West Bank disengagement decision in 1988. While Palestinian and Transjordanian themes fluctuated, recurrence of Hashemite images and symbols sought to convince Jordanians that the kingdom’s long-term stability and security will always be destined with the monarchy even if its borders or relationship with the Palestinians change.

Memory and Enculturation

It may be safely stated at present that the triad of past, tradition and memory has accelerated at an incredible pace. Memory seems to keep the events of the past alive for ever shorter periods of time. Rites, memories and remembrance are now handed down as written sources in the form of textbooks. How does the narrative of the teaching aids that have emerged in the 21st century then evolve and what are/have been their achievements in the construction of national identity? How do hon- és népismeret [Our homeland and its people] textbooks function as tools for building a national community? The subject hon- és népismeret taught in grade schools examines and discusses national culture and the processes of cultural reconstruction in a rather specific cross-section. Beyond exploring the interdependence and interlocking of the context and practice of ‘knowledge creation’/‘knowledge transmission’ in primary educational institutions, this paper aims to explore some salient observations on its generational relationship to memory. The importance of this subject and textbook is/has been undeniable, both as a tool for national and social community-building on the one hand and as a tangible archive of the process of heritage transmission/patrimonization on the other hand.

Religious Nationalism and The Legal Rejection of LGBT Rights in Zambia: Examining the Intersection of Religion, Law, And Social Exclusion

In the 21st century, national identities are shaped by more than just belonging to a nation-state; factors such as ethnicity, culture, gender, and religion also play a significant role. Individuals can align themselves with imagined communities, where national identity exists only in the mind. However, when religion becomes a symbol of national identity, it often leads to the rejection of beliefs that contradict religious values. This paper explores the influence of religious nationalism on the social rejection of LGBT rights in Zambia. Through a review of various theories of nationalism and an analysis of the conflicts between state, ethnic, and religious nationalisms, the paper highlights how strong religious identities can foster hostility toward LGBT communities. Zambia, a Christian nation by constitutional declaration, exemplifies how religious nationalism enables the criminalization of homosexuality, described as an unnatural offense punishable by imprisonment. The conclusion demonstrates that religious nationalism not only conflicts with LGBT rights but also fuels social rejection, leading to stigma and legal consequences for LGBT individuals in Zambia.

Ethnic Environmentalism in the Russian Regions: National Identity and Nature Protection

Increased public awareness of environmental problems and the strengthening of diverse identities may lead to the emergence of ‘ethnic environmentalism’. These movements make environmental claims associated with the interests of an ethnic community. We develop this concept by examining protests in the Russian regions. Our findings suggest that ethnic identity facilitates environmental activism under the following conditions: the ethnic group claims a special cultural relationship to the natural environment; environmental concern and ethnic identity are linked to the unfair distribution of resources; and blame is directed towards regional actors rather than the federal government.

The Influence of World Heritage Sites on Tourism Dynamics in the EU 27 Nations

Culture and tourism are crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, working together symbiotically. Culture boosts tourism by supporting heritage, production, and creativity, while cultural heritage, reflecting national identity and traditions, strengthens local economies. This study uses a panel data analysis to examine the impact of cultural factors on international tourist arrivals in 27 EU nations. The Driscoll–Kraay method reveals that UNESCO World Heritage Sites, government cultural expenditures, household recreation and cultural expenditures, real GDP per job, and bed capacity positively influence international tourist numbers. Regarding cultural factors, World Heritage Sites have the most significant influence, with each additional UNESCO site leading to a 0.22% rise in tourist numbers. The most crucial determinant of tourist arrivals is bed capacity, with a one percent increase leading to a 0.66% increase in tourist arrivals. Conversely, healthcare expenditures and political civil liberties have a negative impact on tourist arrivals. This study discusses managerial implications and offers recommendations for future research.

Research on the Impact of the Consciousness of the Chinese National Community on the Ideological and Political Education of Students in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Universities

The consciousness of the Chinese national community, as a key force promoting national identity, has a profound impact on the ideological and political education of students in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) universities. This paper explores the formation and development of the consciousness of the Chinese national community, examining its theoretical foundations, historical trajectory, and contemporary characteristics. It further analyzes the basic theories of ideological and political education, the current situation, and practical applications within XPCC universities, focusing on how the consciousness of the Chinese national community plays a role in these institutions. The research reveals that this consciousness significantly enhances students' sense of national identity and the shaping of their values, optimizes educational content and resources, and drives innovations in educational methods and strategies. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for further improving the quality of ideological and political education in XPCC universities.

Racialized outsiders: AAPI lessons for South Korea’s multicultural education

ABSTRACT This paper explores the historical experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the context of rising anti-Asian violence in the United States, exacerbated by former President Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing Herbert Blumer’s group position theory and Gordon Allport’s stages of prejudice, the study analyzes four key periods in AAPI history to reveal how they have been systematically marginalized and racialized as perpetual foreigners. The U.S. experience offers crucial insights for South Korea, which is undergoing significant demographic changes due to immigration. While the two countries differ in their historical and cultural contexts, both face challenges in integrating minority groups and preventing the entrenchment of social hierarchies. By adopting inclusive policies and promoting a more cohesive national identity, South Korea can avoid the pitfalls of systemic exclusion and build a more harmonious society.

Critical Discourse Analysis on King Salman’s Speeches at the United Nations General Assembly

This study aims to reveal the ideology in King Salman's political speeches at the United Nations General Assembly. A critical qualitative design was applied in analyzing two of King Salman's speeches in 2020 and 2021. In line with the research objectives, the ideological square is used as the theoretical framework for data analysis. The results of microanalysis show that King Salman uses the basic strategy of emphasizing positive things about 'us' in 129 data (58.6%), emphasizing negative things about 'them' in 60 data (27.3%), and de-emphasizing positive things about 'them' in 31 data (14.1%). As for de-emphasizing negative things about ‘us’ not found in the data source. In the microanalysis dimension, among the rhetorical discursive strategies found were actor description in 77 data (35.0%), consensus in 16 data (7.3%), comparison in 6 data (2.7%), values expression in 76 data (34.5%), victimization-criminalization in 30 data (13.6%), and national self-glorification in 15 data (16.9%). Based on this analysis, the general ideologies found in King Salman's speech are nationalism and anti-imperialism. King Salman constructed Saudi Arabia's national identity in international eyes as a philanthropist, humanitarian, peace initiator, and non-violence country. These identities are then represented as the trademark of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy.

The Importance of Child Education in the Context of Establishing a New Nation and New Society in Bekir ÇOBANZADE’s Works

The idea of establishing a new nation and new society reflected in Bekir Sıtkı ÇOBANZADE’s ideology and poetry is an extension of İsmail Bey Gaspıralı’s national renaissance and rebirth movement. The concept of national renaissance and rebirth initiated by the Tercüman newspaper primarily influenced the children, who represented the new society that the Crimean Tatar people, seeking to return to their roots and escape Russian imperialism, aimed to establish. The Usûl-u Cedit education system was used to transform young Tatar children into heroic Turkish and Muslim people fighting against Russian imperialism. This system strengthened the rebirth process of Crimean Tatar children who were weakened by Russian imperialism. During this process, in 1905, Çobanzade initiated the Yaş Tatar movement along with young people like Numan Celebi Cihan and Hasan Mirza Cergeyev. In his poem “Anan Kayda,” published here, he aimed to raise Crimean Tatar children under Russian imperialism into children who would fight against fate and the Russification policy within the poetics of the New Nation and New Society to be established. For the Crimean Tatar people, avoiding the loss of their true selves, the only way out is to create an enlightened and educated segment built on their ideals and national identity. Therefore, in his poems, Çobanzade created a child prototype. The most well-known of these prototypes is a girl named Esma. The poet designed the political panorama of the era through Esma. He desired to raise a new nation and new society that were free from the calamities and oppression the people were facing.

Az állami és nemzeti jelképek büntetőjogi védelme Európában

Aim: The aim of this study is to find out whether European countries protect their state and/or national symbols at the level of criminal law, whether they punish those who desecrate state symbols and, if so, exactly which symbols are protected. The answer to this question will also help us to understand the deeper question of which European countries consider state (and national) symbols to be of such value that various types of violations of them are punishable by criminal penalties as a last resort. Methodology: In order to establish this, we compared the criminal law of all European countries in which criminal offences are covered by a criminal code that functions as a separate penal code. For methodological soundness, countries without a separate Penal Code (and thus without a cartel constitution) (such as the United Kingdom) were excluded from the analysis, but all other European countries that are geographically (or if not geographically, such as Cyprus or Armenia, then culturally) part of Europe were examined. Findings: The results of the research disproved our initial hypothesis: the comparative study showed that the vast majority of European countries, more than 70%, protect their state (or national) symbols in some way, with a small minority of countries where there is no criminal law protection for the strict infringement of symbols. Value: This is also worthy of attention in the broader context of resolving the conflict in Europe between freedom of expression as a human and constitutional right and the constitutional value of what we call "the dignity of communities": in fact, the Europe of the 21st century (including the Western countries) has not yet departed from its community foundations and not only declares at constitutional level the symbols expressing the statehood and national identity of the nation that constitutes the state, but also (for the most part) protects them under criminal law.

A Modern Peep at the South Seas: Melville s Presence in some Hollywood Films from 1920s to the 1940s

This paper will argue that alongside Melville’s literary reputation, Hollywood, and its associated industries (advertising, trade and journalistic press), produced a pop-culture image of him. It will analyze two movies, Last of the Pagans (MGM, 1935) and Omoo-Omoo the Shark God (Esla Pictures, 1949), which were publicized as adaptations of Typee (1846) and Omoo (1847) respectively but have on the surface little or nothing to do, thematically or plotwise, with their purported source texts. They can be linked back to the novels through the use of a Melville meme that recreates pre-colonial life in the South Seas, situating viewers within a taxidermic viewing position. Overall, scholars have disregarded these movies as having little to offer Melville studies, but this article will consider them and their many forms of publicity to demonstrate that they can give scholars a glance at Melville’s popular reputation as adventurer and romancer, and it will suggest that, as a national figure, Melville was not the exclusive property of academia but a contested site for the construction of national ideals. The paper will adopt a combination of approaches from film history, fluid text theory, and adaptation studies to analyze Melville’s image across mass media outfits.