Sumblog 6

Make a Nation-State out of Me

This idea of the world-identity, to me, could have some quite interesting consequences. First off, what I drew from our discussion in class is that there is a global identity which acts as a template for all nation-states, old and new. It acts as a mold for new developing nation-states, by guiding the development of said nation-state into the global model of what a nation-state would be. For example, a newly recognized nation-state is pushed towards the global identity's ideal of a developed nation-state (democratic, protective policies, environmental protection, etc.). The global identity can also pressure developed nations into conforming with the global model's values. An example of this can be seen in our own nation-state; although most other "developed countries" have some form universal healthcare coverage, we still have privatized insurance companies providing the majority of the coverage. We are moving towards universal healthcare (as slow going as it is) and will then fit into the global model of developed.

In my opinion, this idea is both beneficial and harmful. Sadly, if new developing nation-states are all developing in line with one model, global diversity of forms of government, policy, etc. will begin to decrease. Problems that re-occur will be solved using the same means, as opposed to using a possibly more efficient solution. 

This image (taken from Pink Floyd's The Wall) depicts my issue with the global identity, nation-states are molded by the global identity into a homogenous, ground beef-like "product".

On the other side of the coin, developing in different ways leaves a lot of room for mistakes and less humanitarian options. Nation-states may develop and have absolutely no environmental regulations or use practices that have been deemed inhumane (i.e. slavery). The developmental process would also take a lot longer without a global model to guide it.