Why have nationalists viewed the nation state as a political ideal?

The basic belief of nationalism is that the nation is or should be the central principle of political organisation and a nation state is a sovereign political association within which citizenship and nationality overlap. For nationalists, the nation state is therefore the highest and most desirable form of political organisation. In fact the goal of nationalism is the founding of a nation state.

The great strength of the nation state is that it offers the prospect of both cultural cohesion and political unity as when people with a common cultural or ethnic identity gain the right to self-government, nationality and citizenship coincide.

Also the political sovereignty in a nation state resides with the people or nation itself. Nationalism represents the idea of popular self-government with government carried out either by the people or for the people in accordance with their national interest.

This has led nationalists to believe that the forces that have created a world of independent nation states are natural and irresistible and no other social group could constitute a meaningful political community. The nation state therefore is the only viable political unit.

This is reflected in the different nationalist traditions. The ultimate goal of liberal nationalism is the construction of a world of independent nation states as is the goal of liberal internationalism.

What is Yuri's Night

Yuri's Night is an international celebration held on April 12 every year to commemorate two separate space exploration milestones. Firstly 45 years ago, when Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to enter outer space. Then 20 years later the USA launched the Space Shuttle which was designed to carry a larger crew and large volumes of cargo to orbit.

The goal of Yuri's Night is to increase public interest in space exploration and to inspire a new generation of explorers. Driven by space-inspired artistic expression and culminating in a worldwide network of annual celebrations and educational events, Yuri's Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration while developing responsible leaders and innovators with a global perspective. These global events are a showcase for elements of culture that embrace space including music, dance, fashion, and art.

On 2010 event there will be 162 parties in 57 countries on 7 continents and 2 worlds. You too can set up a party here: Start a party

Information taken from:

http://yurisnight.net/about/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri's_Night

Today's Celebrations April 12th!

Today is...

Cosmonaut's Day in Russia

National Redemption Day in Liberia

Yuri`s Night All over the world!