One direction of change in international politics is the fragmentation of existing large states into ever smaller units as minority nations within the states seek their own independent homelands. The rise in the willingness of ethnonational groups to demand--and even fight for--self-determination has created what might be called micronationalism. The other direction of change is taking humankind on a path toward a broader, more inclusive view of humanity. Critics of nationalism suggest that we look beyond such territorially bounded structures as nation-states and narrow political identities and adopt transnational affiliations as an alternative to traditional identification with and loyalty to the nation-state.
Do you see transnationalism as an alternate route to the future? Or does that thought frighten you? Consider how many of your objects of clothing or home furnishings are made in the United States. How many are made in other parts of the world? The activities in this chapter help you to clarify your ideas about transnationalism.
Identify evidence for the increasing level of transnational interaction by completing an activity in which you determine where certain articles that you use or wear in daily life are made. |
|
|
|
Analyze the role of Islam in world politics by reviewing some Web sites that discuss its history and detail the attitudes of Americans to those of Arab descent. |
|
|
|
Discuss the future role of global political and cultural organizations especially those of the United States. What kind of responsibilities do we have to other nations and states? |
|
|
|
Understand how the religions of the world affect transnational cultures by locating the religions on a map. |
|
|
|
Learn more about transnationalism and its effect on the future of the United States by visiting Web sites selected to focus on this topic. |