In an essay published by Amar Desh on August 21, 2026, Shahid Kamrul examines nationalism’s relationship with the state and argues that it can serve as either a constructive or destructive force. The article traces modern nationalism to the period after the French Revolution and reviews ideas from Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Ernest Renan, Benedict Anderson, Michel Foucault and Rabindranath Tagore.

The essay presents nationalism as a source of collective identity but warns that emotional, religious or exclusionary forms can fuel division and violence. It discusses language politics in former East Bengal, the Bangladesh language movement, Hindutva-oriented nationalism in India, and identity-based divisions in Bangladesh. It also contrasts John Stuart Mill’s doubts about multinational states with Lord Acton’s support for coexistence among diverse national groups.

Kamrul describes economic nationalism as state action to protect domestic industry, agriculture and labour while limiting multinational capital. He cites mercantilism and Friedrich List’s case for infant-industry protection, alongside criticism from Adam Smith and others who associated protectionism with inefficiency and corruption. The essay concludes that economic nationalism requires democratic accountability, transparency and public sovereignty to avoid becoming a tool for concentrated power and exploitation.