A main factor that contributes to the argument that a nation can have an identity is nationalism. If the majority of a nation’s population believes their nation is the best the issue of a nation losing its identity won’t be relevant. Huntington speaks of nationalism thriving in the time period after the civil war. He also states that, “In the 1960’s, however, substantial, dual-national, and transnational identities began to rival and erode the preeminence of national identity.” When citizens begin to second guess the greatness of their nation, their identity can be lost. In this way it can be said that national identities can be compared to personal identities.
Other factors that can contribute to a nation’s identity can be anything from a flag with a deep meaning from the history of that nation all the way to the diversity in its population. The people who make up a nation play a large role in its identity. In the melting pot of America’s population people are often loyal to other nations also. As long as they are loyal to America the identity of the nation stays in tact. A nation’s identity can have to do with many different things but the loyalty to one’s country is what brings it all together.
Huntington says some nations “are also able to postpone their demise and halt disintegration, by renewing their sense of national identity.” This excerpt from the text is a prime self explanatory example of why a national identity is an essential characteristic of a nation.