To what extent should we embrace the national perspective reflected on this source?

To what extent should national interest be pursued? This is what we need to know in order to
continue with the topic question. Pursuing national interest can lead to the expansion of a
nation. The growth in wealth and economy within a nation. Aggression is usually a course taken
when trying to achieve a nation's interests and is most likely the best course to take.
Nationalism and aggression don't always tie together but I believe that nationalism is the
foundation of ultra nationalism where aggression is used to obtain the nation's interest. I would
agree with the source with a certain point because aggression is not necessary but that creates
a limit on how far you can reach and gain the interests of the nation. Aggression is far more
risky and bold action take on but also can advance a nation immensely in very little time. Some
nations are forced to act with violence to ultimately obtain peace by fighting for it.

I agree with the source to a certain extent because Nationalism is the frame or root to Ultra
Nationalism. Basing things on Germany before and during world war two their economy was
suffering and was continuing to fall the only course of action they could do to bring back a
suitable and stable nation was to be hostile. Being belligerent was their only option they could
do to pursue their national interests. Germany invaded Rhineland due to the Interest of gaining
power and creating a better economy for Germany.Attacking Rhineland was the best option to
take to gain power and go against the treaty of versailles that was crippling their economy
through inflation. This attack on Rhineland was to kickstart Germany to pursuing their interests.
If Hitler did not take action and bear arms Germany would have completely diminished because
at the time it was diminishing quickly.

Maintaining Nationalism and pursuing the nation's interests without violence or aggression can
be good and allow focus on many other areas other than domination but not in all instances.
Switzerland retained their neutral state not joining in the war in world war one and instead took
refugees and helped people in need. Switzerland depended on trading for half of their resources
but unfortunately for them major trade routes were closed because of the war. The lack of
resources and the growth of numbers to feed Switzerland's economy dropped. They were losing
more than they were gaining. If Switzerland used its army and conquered more resources their
economy would of maintained and not suffered during the war. But they were highly against
aggression and even had an art movement to express their discontent to violence called Dada.
Also they were surrounded by the two central powers Germany and Austria-Hungary and two of
the Entente powers France and Italy causing them to have a difficult time to maintain
neutral.Switzerland learned from their mistakes from world war one and took action in world war
two. Switzerland took action and advanced its military and prepared their country. Due to
preparation for war they avoided attacks and sustained a far more suitable community then the
last world war. This agrees with the source again. This shows that without aggression it is very
difficult to obtain any success on pursuing national interest.

Nazi Germany did whatever it took to claim their goals not letting mercy get in the way. The
source is right here again because on pursuing the interests of the nation it gradually led to
them acting with war. The army of Germany took many drugs such as meth to give them the
illusion of invincibility to give their army strength. They took the drug because Germany was in
need of a superior army and because their economy was low they didn't have one. The interest
on recovering Germany led to an army of Nazis hooked on drugs ready to take all they can.
Getting what Germany wanted with war and drugs they conquered nations and eliminating their
chances on pursuing their own interests. With Nationalism leading to ultra nationalism they took
their interests with the expenses of other nations interests.

So the pursuit of gaining and obtaining the goals of a nation because of nationalism will
eventually lead to ultra nationalism with ravaging wars. Switzerland switching from neutral to
war active because of protection and power. I believe that nationalism is the root of ultra
nationalism and to truly obtain a nation's interests without boundaries a nation must forget the
interests of other nations and do all they can to gain the goals of their own nation.