Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism is a critical nonfiction book by Benedict Anderson. Originally published in 1983, the book has seen multiple revised editions republished in 1991 by Verso and New Left Books Limited. Set in the political landscapes of South America, Asia, and Africa, Anderson explores the phenomenon of Nationalism that goes beyond culture and territorial boundaries.
The book breaks down the Nationalistic ideologies among people that have taken root among nations that seek to assert their sovereignty against the imperial powers of the Western world. Anderson defines Nationalism as a sense of great adoration and pride for one’s home country.
In recent years, the politics of Nationalism has been spreading all over the world as more nations in the world are demanding a seat at the world stage of geopolitics. Anderson traces the origin and the events that led to the rise of Nationalist ideals. As more world leaders focus on Nationalist politics and globalization coming to a sudden halt, Nationalism is looking like a safe bet for superpower nations, that previously took on the responsibility of other smaller nations, in an attempt to assert their world domination.
Nationalist ideas began to take form in Africa, Asia, and South Americas as these nations demanded Independence from their colonial masters. The effects of capitalism, religion, and immigration introduced Nationalism into Western nations, which were decoupling from their imperialistic urges.
