I disagree with punishing people for their nationality. It's not so easy/possible to leave one's family and establish a life in a place where people often don't want you there.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/apr/24/venice-biennale-jury-not-award-artists-countries-face-war-crimes-israel-russia
#nationalism #punishment #war #crime #immigration #emigration #art #artist

Historical Reflections: China’s Perceptions of Southeast Asian Neighbors

WPS News History Staff
Baybay City | April 27, 2026

In the annals of history, the interactions between nations have often been colored by viewpoints ranging from respect and admiration to condescension and dominance. This is particularly evident in China’s historical attitude towards its Southeast Asian neighbors, as highlighted in a recent examination of the Johnson Administration’s misadventures in Southeast Asia by a Pentagon official using the nom de plume “Cincinnatus.”

Cincinnatus draws parallels between modern geopolitical dynamics and age-old perceptions, specifically focusing on China’s historical view of Vietnam. Traditionally, China perceived Vietnam not as an equal sovereign entity, but as a cultural subordinate. This perspective stemmed from China’s long-standing role as a central cultural power in East Asia, often seeing itself as the “Middle Kingdom” with a divine mandate to civilize surrounding regions. This hierarchical view contributed to China’s perception of Vietnam as a lesser nation, historically dominated and culturally influenced by its northern neighbor.

But what about the Philippines? Unlike Vietnam, the Philippines did not experience the same direct and prolonged Sinic influence due to geographical separation and different historical trajectories. While there were periods of trade and occasional interaction, the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, combined with its later significant interaction with Western colonial powers, placed it differently in the Chinese worldview. The disdain or bigotry that shaped China’s historical perception of Vietnam did not parallel in the same form towards the Philippines. Instead, relations were generally characterized by trade and maritime contact rather than cultural domination.

This historical narrative underscores the complex web of regional relationships and the impact of nationalism and cultural superiority on foreign policy. As nations continue to navigate modern global relations, understanding these historical attitudes is crucial for fostering dialogue and cooperation.

Reflecting on history, it becomes clear that nationalism and perceived cultural superiority often led to friction and conflict. By studying and acknowledging these perspectives, today’s leaders might better foster mutual respect and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691215266/the-greek-revolution-and-the-violent-birth-of-nationalism

Worth reading not only for its account of the birth of modern Greece, but also as an account of the prototype for nationalist movements in the Ottoman empire.

Anybody -- and I think some classicists might fall under this description -- with an inclination to sentimental philhellenism should read this book, if only to learn how central massacres of Muslims were to the construction of the Greek national identity. The author also does not spare the reader the horrors of Ottoman reprisals.

The book will also provide food for thought for open minded readers interested in Israel/Palestine*, showing as it does how recent has been the construction "national" identities in this region and how crucial the intervention of external imperial powers has been to this construction.

*I hope that such readers exist!

#History #Greece #Revolution #Nationalism #OttomanEmpire #IsraelPalestine

I deplore the defunding of US science, and often post about it here. But I try to deplore it without nationalism. That is, I care more about the harm to science than the harm to America-firstness. However, those who are defunding US science are nationalists, and this news is karma for them.

"China surpasses US in research spending – the consequences extend far beyond scientific ranking and clout."
https://theconversation.com/china-surpasses-us-in-research-spending-the-consequences-extend-far-beyond-scientific-ranking-and-clout-280543?shem=dsdf,sharefoc,agadiscoversdl,,sh/x/discover/m1/4

"China’s…investment in research and development has reached parity with – and by purchasing power measures has surpassed – that of the United States, according to a March 2026 report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development."

FYI, here are some news stories I tagged with "oa.nationalism" for the Open Access Tracking Project.
https://tagteam.harvard.edu/hubs/oatp/tag/oa.nationalism

#China #DefendResearch #Funding #Nationalism #OECD #Trump #TrumpVResearch #USPol #USPolitics

A quotation from Orwell

George Orwell (1903-1950) English journalist, essayist, writer [pseud. of Eric Arthur Blair]
Essay (1945-05), “Notes on Nationalism,” Polemic Magazine (1945-10)

More about this quote: wist.info/orwell-george/46211/

#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #orwell #georgeorwell #acceptance #alternatefacts #cognitivedissonance #delusion #facingfacts #factcheck #facts #nationalism #reality #selectivememory #truth

From tartans to Guinness: Identity in Northern Ireland and beyond

"We live in a different world than 1969 [the onset of the Troubles] — it's not circular — and I'm hopeful that that diverse model of a place wins out."

Read our article by Allan LEONARD 👉 https://sharedfuture.news/from-tartans-to-guinness-identity-in-northern-ireland-and-beyond/

@mrulster #SharedFuture #NorthernIreland #identity #diversity #Canada #nationalism