The Nation-State Anvil: On Identity and Conflict

Yaran Zhou

Challenge two dominant myths about indigenous resistance in colonial India. Using a subaltern studies framework, this essay argues that forest communities were not passive victims or inherent conservationists, but autonomous political actors. Their resistance was a strategic struggle for land rights and sovereignty, driven by material concerns rather than elite nationalist agendas, reframing our understanding of anti-colonial movements.

Simrat Walia

Discover how centuries of resistance against an imperial power forged a modern national consciousness. This paper analyzes how Montenegro’s unique geography and Orthodox ethos allowed it to defy Ottoman conquest, fostering a deep-seated identity that was later invoked during its 21st-century independence referendum. It provides a powerful case study of how small nations can preserve their sovereignty and cultural heritage through unity and resilience.

Filipp Kvitko

Investigate why a nation with a proud history of military innovation repeatedly surrendered without a fight in the face of external pressure. This essay argues that the capitulations of Czechoslovakia were not accidental, but stemmed from a persistent lack of a cohesive national identity, deep-seated ethnic divisions, and a pragmatic response to overwhelming force, offering a critical framework for understanding the vulnerabilities of modern multiethnic states.

Arjun Shah

Trace the roots of contemporary Hindu nationalism back to the “divide and rule” policies of British colonization and the rhetoric of post-colonial Indian elites. This paper analyzes how historical decisions created and perpetuated the Hindu-Muslim divide, leading to the rise of religious-based political parties and threatening the foundations of Indian secularism, offering a crucial perspective on the evolution of religious identity in a modern democracy.

Anshul Nadendla

Explore the enduring power of a prejudicial ideology in the Dominican Republic. This essay analyzes “La Raza,” an anti-African and anti-Haitian bias that has been used by Dominican leaders since the colonial era to persecute those of Haitian descent. By tracing its influence from the 19th century through the 2013 Tribunal Ruling, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of state-sponsored racism and its impact on national identity.

Stephanie Se-Aun Park

Examine how institutionalized racism in the US military directly impacted combat effectiveness during the Korean War. This study focuses on the 24th Infantry Regiment, the inaugural Black unit in the conflict. It argues that the unit’s subpar initial performance was not due to any racial shortcomings, but to the consequential errors and clear racial biases of its white commanding officers, a stark example of domestic prejudice hobbling international military objectives.