Nationalism And Constitutionalism

Nationalism is always an extremely disputed subject in the field of academic. In fact, there is no comprehensive theory system about Nationalism, or in the field of academic school which based on tradition either. Even though it pervades all kinds of definitions presently, the fundamental conception of the nationalism is quite positively. Proceeding from the basal composing elements of nation and country, this thesis intends to tidy up the relationship between constitutionalism and nationalism. The author argues that, as one of the important topic in political science, the nationalism theory, to some extent, is a reflection of history and the present situation of constitutionalism; as a cultural pattern, the nationalism is one of the bases of constitutional structure; as a significant political force, nationalism takes an active part in the entire course of formation and development proceeding of constitutionalism.ChapterⅠbegins with defining the notion of nationalism, to clarify the complex theory of nationalism, and do analyze the extreme performance that the nationalist movement easily assumed to be. This thesis, based on this conclusion, adopted the comprehension pattern that embraces the bias towards modernism. The formation of modern nation and the rise of nation-states are considered as the starting point of nationalism. The thinking patterns or system design of "solution to the legality of state power, appropriate relationship between government, society and individual" is provided by nationalism, which can influence the establishment and development of constitutionalism.From the visual angle of the historical evolution of nation-states and the changes of nationalism concept, chapterⅡdeems that, the changes of social construction gave birth to nationalism, on which was the historical presupposition for the growth of constitutionalism depends; after the nation-states established, with the concepts transition from national sovereignty to "sovereignty belongs to the people", the national identification, which took the Identity belonging as the center, has become the intention-premise of constitutionalism implementation, thereby, constitutionalism is impressed with nationalism. That differentiation of nationalism ideas has left adequate space to build and administer the state power, and thus a balance is obtained within it by constitutionalism.ChapterⅢlays heavy stress on value self-correction of liberal constitutionalism, which based on nationalism position. inner tension that between the nationalism values and constitutionalism is indeed provide the basis of the different ideas between Nationalism and Liberalism. It seems that Nationalism and Liberalism are interdependent and mutual promotion, rather than mutually exclusive. The concentration that nationalism focuses on the particularity is the necessary supplementary to liberal constitutionalism. The thesis argues that only various values and pursuit were brought into such balance is the exact path to self-improvement of constitutionalism.ChapterⅣlooks forward to the future of constitutionalism, the pursuit of nationalism values that constitutionalism cope with, is as same as the coordination between culture recognition and system recognition. The pursuit that to build a multi-cultural and cohesive society will been incorporated in constitutionalism values, to reorganize the relationship between Nation and State under constitutionalism will also be asked:Nationalism, as a cultural formation, while it return to the field of culture, will promote the country’s political identity and constitutional recognition. During the formation of nation-state in modern china, the liberalism absence have contributed to the present predicament of constitutional development, however, nationalism is also viewed as an essential element to constitutionalism quality. For this purpose, the authors hold that, it was put forward that infusing liberalism values into constitutionalism, then reach a compromise between liberalism and nationalism. Needless to say, it will be great significance for us to clarify the relevance between nationalism and constitutionalism.