Grace+Chen+RP+Post+1

Presentation of Research Findings I am planning to write an extended definition type paper about what the concept of patriotism really means. With this format, I will synthesize and discuss different sources to better clarify the meaning of the topic.This approach lets me analyze a large, abstract, nebulous topic and yet write about it in a manageable way. I also like that the “extended” aspect of the definition acknowledges the nuance and intricacy of a broad theme like patriotism, and gives me the opportunity, as a writer, to engage in more layers of discussion.

Pursuit of New Knowledge - **What is the role of patriotism in an increasingly globalized world?** - How does patriotism influence individual identity? - What collective groups should we feel patriotism toward? - How have the expectations for patriotic duty changed over time?

Background and Early Knowledge: Today’s world is increasingly characterized by global interdependence and cooperation. The United Nations embodies the collective political efforts of over 100 states, while global trade has led to increasing interdependence between the economies of every state. At the same time, global problems such as environmental damage and weapons disarmament have become contentious issues that require multilateral efforts to solve. In such conditions, to what extent is patriotism to your own country still relevant (or right?)? Patriotic sentiments, in fact, drive terrorists that we condemn as well as freedom fighters we laud. All are fighting for what they see as the best interests of their nations. It seems morally suspect for us to differentiate between the two, from our ivory towers. Promoting your states’ interests can clash with what is best for the world. On a cultural level, the differences between different societies are probably being gradually erased as technology and mass production homogenizes many products. For instance, Big Macs can be found at both New York City and inner Mongolia. At the same time, nevertheless, pride in one’s country is likely still part of the way in which we identify ourselves. By showing our love for our country, we express our approval of the unique ideological legacy associated with that nation. To try to extend that same degree of patriotic pride to people outside our own political borders might dilute and diminish its value.

The Rationale: My idea came from a book by Martha Nussbaum I recently read about the changing dynamics of global politics and how compassion plays into that change. Nussbaum juxtaposes compassion for people from other nations with patriotic sentiments to your own nation – I was interested in exploring what role those patriotic sentiments should and do play in global sociopolitics. I think this is an extremely interesting part of understanding the interaction between loyalty to one’s own nation and the upholding cooperative spirit between different nations, particularly where they seem to clash. Moreover, I thought patriotism is a broad enough theme that all readers could relate to, and has been thoroughly discussed in every country around the globe throughout history. I think that as the paper progresses, I will have to narrow it down to a more specific topic, perhaps by limiting my discussion to just the context of the United States. I may eventually end up writing something closer to a position paper if I end up feeling strongly that patriotism //ought// to serve a specific function. I think I will have some difficulty keeping my discussion limited to a narrower topic, however – even just while writing this analysis, I found myself often veering off into related topics in the discussion of globalized politics. Beyond that, I think I will let the specific direction of my paper be guided by the sources I read.