How do different scholars define nationalism?

Answer 1

Different scholars define nationalism in various ways, reflecting its complex nature. Some, like Benedict Anderson, view it as an imagined community that creates a sense of belonging among people who may never meet, while others, such as Eric Hobsbawm, see it as a constructed identity often shaped by political and social forces. Nationalism can also be defined by its emphasis on self-determination and the promotion of a distinct national culture, as highlighted by scholars like Anthony Smith. Overall, definitions vary based on historical, cultural, and political contexts.