Emerging Nations- The Rise of Ethnic Nationalism and the Birth of New Countries

What new countries were created due to ethnic nationalism?

Ethnic nationalism, the belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group, has been a driving force in the creation of new countries throughout history. This phenomenon, often referred to as “ethnic separatism,” has led to the emergence of nations based on shared cultural, linguistic, and ethnic identities. In this article, we will explore some of the notable examples of new countries that were formed as a result of ethnic nationalism.

1. Kosovo

Kosovo, a predominantly Albanian region in the southern part of Serbia, declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. The ethnic Albanians, who make up the majority of the population, had long felt marginalized and oppressed by the Serbian government. Their struggle for independence was fueled by ethnic nationalism, as they sought to establish a nation where they could freely practice their culture and language.

2. East Timor

East Timor, a small nation in Southeast Asia, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. The Timorese people, who are predominantly Catholic and of Melanesian descent, had been fighting for independence from Indonesian rule since the 1970s. Their struggle was based on ethnic nationalism, as they sought to create a nation that would be free from the Indonesian government’s oppressive policies and allow them to preserve their unique culture and identity.

3. South Sudan

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, declared its independence from Sudan in 2011. The southern Sudanese people, who are predominantly Christian and Dinka, had been fighting for independence from Sudan since the 1950s. Their struggle was rooted in ethnic nationalism, as they sought to establish a nation where they could freely practice their religion and maintain their traditional way of life.

4. Catalonia

Catalonia, an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, has been at the center of a heated debate over independence. The Catalan people, who have a distinct language and culture, have been pushing for independence from Spain for years. Their movement is driven by ethnic nationalism, as they believe that Catalonia should have its own state where its unique identity can be preserved and promoted.

5. Kurdistan

The Kurdistan region, which spans parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, has been a long-standing source of ethnic nationalism in the Middle East. The Kurds, who are a distinct ethnic group with their own language and culture, have been fighting for an independent Kurdistan for decades. Although no fully recognized Kurdish state exists yet, the movement for Kurdish independence remains strong, driven by ethnic nationalism.

In conclusion, ethnic nationalism has played a significant role in the creation of new countries around the world. The examples of Kosovo, East Timor, South Sudan, Catalonia, and Kurdistan illustrate the power of ethnic identity in shaping national boundaries and fostering the formation of new nations. As ethnic nationalism continues to be a driving force in the modern world, it remains to be seen how it will shape the geopolitical landscape in the future.