This episode argues that ideas about “race” and “nation” are largely social and political myths rather than clear scientific or natural realities. It connects the myths of race and nation to political and economic interests, particularly under capitalism. Ruling groups often promote ideas of racial or national unity to distract ordinary people from their shared class interests. By encouraging workers to identify with a nation or racial group, elites can divide the working class and prevent them from recognising their common position as exploited labourers. From this perspective, nationalism and racism function as ideological tools that maintain existing social systems, while a socialist viewpoint emphasises the common interests of people worldwide rather than divisions based on race or nationality.

Taken from the March 2026 edition of The Socialist Standard.

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Featuring music: ‘Pushing P (Instrumental)’ by Tiga Maine x Deejay Boe. Source: Free Music Archive, licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0