The Marxist Theory of the State and National Identity

Nation-state identity has become a focus of theoretical discussion in academia home and abroad in recent years. Under the new historical conditions, the study of national identity should take the Marxist theory of the state as its theoretical basis and stick to the Marxist view of class and class analysis so as to properly understand, guide and enhance national identity. The Marxist theory of the state has analyzed in a scientific way the origin, nature, development, succession and decay of the state, and the innovative and transitional nature of the proletarian state. We should not stop at the level of “national identity in general,” but should instead use the Marxist view of class to look at and analyze specific people’s identification with specific states. As far as the developed capitalist states are concerned, the bourgeoisie and the working class differ dramatically in their views, attitudes, emotions and beliefs toward their state. When it comes to China that is still at the primary stage of socialism, national identity needs to be studied in depth and guided in a correct way, especially under the condition of reform and opening-up. The main subjects of national identity should get optimized at all levels.

Meanwhile, measures should be taken to enhance conscious awareness of and cultivate right attitudes toward national identity.