Affiliation:
1. Odessa National Maritime University, Ukraine.
2. “South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushynsky”, Ukraine.
3. Mykolaiv National University named after V. Sukhomlynskiy, Ukraine.
4. Chairman of Board Odesa Holocaust Research Center, Ukraine.
Abstract
Understanding the evolution of the concept of "nation" is crucial in comprehending the shifting dynamics of identity, national policy, and global interactions. By tracing the historical development of this concept, from its early origins to its contemporary manifestations, the article aims to shed light on how the idea of the Nation has transformed and adapted to social, political, and ideological changes. The retrospective analysis of 'national' discourse makes possible to demonstrate how the Nation concept expanded its content during the recent centuries. The philosophical and historical study of the Nation provided in the article, and its research from the functional and axiological standpoints, drives us to make a few general assumptions: Nation still can be that kind of mobilizing force that helps unite people in resistance to external aggression; the concept of Nation presumably does not have enough resources to influence the highly developed countries, but still preserves its potential to transform the societies in the developing countries. Some findings and insights presented in this article may contribute into further theoretical research, as well as policy development, and a deeper understanding of the role of nations in an increasingly interconnected world.