Tribalism refers to subnational and transnational identities and communities.
In other words, a community might be seen as tribal if it defines itself in
terms of a bordered space that falls entirely within the larger physical borders
of a nation-state. Somewhat paradoxically, a community might be seen as tribal
if it defines itself culturally (and ideologically) in a way that supercedes
and transcends nation-states; it may have pockets of members all over the world.
Although some use the word
tribalism pejoratively (to mean the most extreme
and violently exclusive form of nationalism or community), many use it descriptively
or even with praise to celebrate communities that have survived oppression or
even genocide.
In
Beyond Borders: See Benjamin Barber, "Jihad vs. McWorld"; and
Image 12, Santa Fe Railroad Calendar Art, "The Indian Detour."
In
Beyond Borders Online: See Web Research Activities, "
Democracy,
Difference, and Globalization" and "
Virtual Tourism."
<< Back to Key Words