Exploring the Relationship Between Shariah Education and National Identity in Nigeria’s Universities

The article examines the relevance of historical memory research as a key factor in the formation of national identity and an instrument of state policy. At the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in particular Bulgaria, faced the need to develop a balanced historical policy amid transformational processes. This study aims to identify and summarise the main political practices that shaped social consciousness in the post-communist period.The article analyses the influence of political elites on the formation of historical memory policy in Bulgaria in the context of the post-communist transformation of society. The goal is to identify and generalise the main dimensions of memory policy and political practices, and to determine their influence on the formation of historical consciousness and the national idea in the context of post-socialist changes. Special attention is paid to comparing Bulgaria’s experience with Ukrainian realities, which is relevant in the context of modern hybrid warfare and the fight against historical myths.The study is based on the analysis of historical, political, and social aspects of memory policy-making. Approaches are used that allow studying commemorative strategies, in particular regarding decommunization, revising the content of textbooks, and constructing a new national pantheon of heroes. The analysis includes the study of legislative initiatives (such as laws on the criminal nature of the communist regime and the decommunization of science), the activities of institutions (such as the Commission for the Opening of Documents and the Institute of National Remembrance), and public discussions.The influence of external factors, such as Russian information propaganda, is also taken into account. The study uses a comparative approach, comparing the Bulgarian experience with Ukrainian realities.For the first time, the influence of political elites on the politics of memory in Bulgaria after the fall of the communist regime was systematically analysed, focusing on the mechanisms and practices of decommunization, the revision of historical narratives, and the formation of a new national identity. It has been proven that these processes were not always straightforward, as society showed an ambiguous attitude towards the communist past, combining its criticism with a certain nostalgia for the past. It is studied how the politics of memory is used as a tool to ensure social unity and counter external threats. The role of historical myths in the formation of the «image of the enemy» and the manipulation of public opinion is revealed.An effective public policy of memory is an important tool for ensuring social unity and consolidation, contributing to the formation of a Bulgarian-centric national identity. Although the process of decommunization in Bulgaria was slow, it included important legislative steps, such as the recognition of the criminal nature of the communist regime. Political elites oriented towards European values played a key role in abandoning the socialist past and regaining power. At the same time, the existence of a pro-Russian political bloc indicates the use of historical memory to destabilise the country. The experience of Bulgaria shows that the revision of textbooks, the creation of a pantheon of heroes, and the fight against historical myths are key elements in the formation of a new historical consciousness.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity; to study the main trends observed in the development of contemporary Ukrainian cinema in the direction of state-building and geopolitical processes, in particular in the context of the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine in 2022; to examine the shortcomings that negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema in Ukraine and the world. Research methodology. To achieve the set goals and solve the tasks, the researchers used such diverse approaches and methods as analysis (to study contemporary popular films) and synthesis (to identify trends in the development of Ukrainian cinema), historical method (to clarify the historical realities of Ukraine’s development), literary analysis (to study literary sources that highlight identity in cinema). Scientific novelty. For the first time, contemporary Ukrainian cinema is analysed in terms of trends in the formation of national identity through feature films. The main components of Ukrainian national identity are identified: awareness of cultural heritage, understanding of one’s role in the collective identity, and active consumption of cultural and information space, including cinema. The role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity are analysed. Conclusions. It is determined that the formation of Ukrainian national identity is conditioned by history, language, culture, religion, territory, traditions, politics and education. The article has analysed the Ukrainian cinema space and found that there is a tendency to rethink classical works and appeal to Ukrainian culture as a means of forming national identity, as well as to cover the topic of war and heroic events in the history of Ukraine, which contributes to the self-identification of Ukrainians as courageous fighters for freedom and independence. The study also has identified shortcomings, such as the use of “trouser culture”, acting unprofessionalism and instability of cinematic development, which negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema.

The article addresses a pressing issue of Ukrainian education in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war – the formation of national identity among youth. This issue has gained special significance, as it is the younger generation that shapes the future of the state. The authors conduct an in-depth analysis of the concept of national and national-cultural identity based on the works of Ukrainian and foreign scholars, as well as domestic legal documents. Key challenges associated with the identity crisis are identified: the impact of globalization, erosion of national values, information warfare, and alienation – all of which call for new educational approaches. A review of theoretical approaches to understanding national identity and national-cultural identity is provided, alongside an analysis of scientific literature, legislative acts, and historical prerequisites for identity development. Special attention is given to pedagogical conditions and effective methods within extracurricular activities: cultural events, educational training, volunteer work, and project activities that foster national consciousness. Student self-governance, engagement with contemporary heroic figures, objective representation of history, the development of aesthetic taste and patriotic worldview are considered foundational for nurturing a citizen with a clear national identity. The article emphasizes that forming a Ukrainian identity means not only preserving cultural heritage but also integrating into the common European space – where values of freedom, dignity, and self-awareness are upheld. It highlights the importance of developing a "self-concept" in youth and fostering emotional-value-based attitudes toward their nation, language, culture, heroes, and national history. National identity should become part of students’ personal, civic, and professional self-awareness. This material has interdisciplinary relevance and may be useful for scholars, educators, youth mentors, and developers of educational programs in the field of humanities.

Розглянуто особливості формування української національної ідентичності. Виявлено розмитість та амбівалентність національної ідентичності України на сучасному етапі її розвитку. Проаналізовано причини, що гальмують процеси завершення формування української нації. Обґрунтовано роль національної ідеї як чинника формування української національної ідентичності.

Cultural diversity is a distinctive characteristic of Indonesian society, which consists of various ethnicities, religions, races, and groups. The philosophy of Pancasila, as the nation's foundational ideology, functions to unite these differences into a harmonious whole. This article aims to explore how Pancasila values support social understanding and the formation of national identity within the framework of cultural diversity. Using a qualitative approach and literature review method, this article examines the role of Pancasila in maintaining harmony amidst diversity and its contribution to shaping an inclusive national identity. The study concludes that Pancasila plays a crucial role in strengthening the sense of unity in the midst of cultural plurality and contributes to the formation of a strong and harmonious national identity.

This paper is devoted to the role of language in the formation of national identity. The author discusses the opinions of various experts from the fields of philosophy, sociology, political science and history, with a focus on the relationships among the nation, national identity and the national language. Various points of view concerning how linguistic processes and phenomena influence the formation of national ideology and self-identity are highlighted. The author analyzes how historical, political and social changes affect the linguistic and cultural aspects of nations. Special attention is given to the interaction between globalization and the preservation of linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as issues related to the integration and preservation of national uniqueness in the modern world. Ultimately, the author concludes that preserving existing linguistic and cultural diversity as a key element of maintaining and developing national identity is necessary.

The article focuses on the impact of transformations in exhibition spaces on the formation of national cultural identity in Ukrainian society during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach used to highlight the peculiarities of the formation of the exhibition and exposition space of Ukraine in the period from 2014 to 2024. Among the main methods used are the method of definitional analysis to analyze the concept of national and cultural identity, the method of source research and the method of comparative analysis to compare the state of the exhibition and exhibition space of Ukraine in the specified period. The scientific novelty is that it deepens the understanding that the transformations of the Ukrainian exhibition space in 2014-2024 caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war are becoming an important factor in the formation of national and cultural identity by promoting national unity and identification of Ukrainians with a particular nation. Conclusions. At the present stage, it can be stated that the transformations of the Ukrainian exhibition space in 2014-2024 have a significant impact on the formation of national and cultural identity. The consolidation of Ukrainians during the Russian-Ukrainian war is largely reflected in the works of artists who, despite wartime, actively present their work, which reflects the national culture of Ukrainians and the consequences of Russia's destruction of our country's cultural values. The themes of the Revolution of Dignity, Russian aggression, occupation of Crimea, events in Donbas and the full-scale invasion have gained particular importance in the cultural sphere and are now widely covered at art exhibitions, where visitors have the opportunity to feel their belonging to the Ukrainian nation through familiarization with the national culture and understanding the importance of preserving it during the Russian-Ukrainian war. Keywords: culture, national and cultural identity, exhibition space, personality, Ukrainian art, values.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the main aspects in the evolution of theatrical culture in Ukraine in the context of the formation and preservation of national identity. The research methodology is based on a combination of different approaches, including historical, sociocultural and artistic analysis of theatrical events and their interaction with political, sociocultural and economic factors. The historical approach enabled the author to trace the main stages of the development of theatrical culture in Ukraine, in particular the influence of political and social conditions on the formation of the national theatre. The artistic analysis enabled focusing on the aesthetic aspects of theatrical creativity, and the socio-cultural approach – to investigate the relationship between the theatre and society. Scientific novelty. The study is groundbreaking in its analysis of the impact of contemporary events, such as Euromaidan 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022, on Ukrainian theatre culture, as well as exploring the process of de-Russification in theatre. In addition, the article emphasises the role of individual artists and the development of modern drama, which underlines the theme of war and national identity. Conclusions. The process of formation of national identity in Ukraine in the context of historical events and cultural transformations was highlighted. Despite the various prohibitions of the desire to destroy national identity, the activities of outstanding national figures, in particular theatre figures, have always popularised Ukrainian culture. A promising direction in the development of theatre culture is to take into account all mental and ideological differences within the framework of Ukrainian values, since every Ukrainian is currently rethinking the question of their identity. The evolution of Ukrainian theatrical culture is an integral part of the process of formation and preservation of national identity. The theatre itself is an important tool of socio-cultural development, which helps Ukrainian society to realise its uniqueness and preserve its cultural heritage.

Reviewed by: The Genesis of America: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Formation of National Identity, 1793–1815 by Jasper M. Trautsch Lawrence B. A. Hatter (bio) Keywords U.S. foreign policy, Nationalism, Great Britain, France, Diplomacy The Genesis of America: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Formation of National Identity, 1793–1815. By Jasper M. Trautsch. (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2018. Pp. 328. Cloth, $49.99.) The United States remained a land of confusion at the end of the War of Independence. While the hastily built union of thirteen disparate states had managed to prosecute a protracted war against their former colonial master, the conflict had failed to create a strong sense of national identity among Americans. The United States did not have a hold on the heart of most Americans in 1783. Jasper Trautsch's new book argues that partisan debates about U.S. foreign policy played a key role in the emergence of national identity in the United States. The Genesis of America seeks to understand how Americans came to conceive of their national community being distinct from the other nations of the world. For Trautsch, U.S. nationalism was not the product of navel gazing among the Founders, but, instead, it was a "process of external demarcation" in which "the American nation needed external enemies to create a sense of national particularity" (9). The Genesis of America explores the emergence of American national identity by focusing on U.S. foreign relations with Great Britain and France. Trautsch justifies his selection by arguing that Britain and France were the two most powerful nations of the time and that they represented the "essential foils against which America's national identity could be forged" (17). The author's decision to exclude Spain from his analysis reflects Trautsch's conviction that most Americans viewed their western neighbors as a "decaying empire," despite the recurring western crises centered on navigation rights on the Mississippi River (17). In Trautsch's formulation, conflict lies at the heart of American national identity. Because American nationalism depended on emphasizing difference between the United States and the two leading European powers, U.S. policymakers pursued a "confrontational" foreign policy. Moreover, diplomacy became a key battleground for protean partisan [End Page 367] politics, as Americans fought about national identity. The Genesis of America charts the course of these political battles by looking at the interaction between policymakers and the partisan press. Building on the work of Jeffrey L. Pasley, Trautsch argues that the relationship between politicians and newspaper editors was not a one-way street, where the press served as a mouthpiece for the powerful.1 Rather, policymakers and the press both participated in a creative process by which national discourse on identity helped to shape diplomatic decisions taken in the national capital. The Genesis of America follows a conventional narrative of the political history of the early republic. The radicalization of the French Revolution in 1793 transformed the nascent partisanship of U.S. politics, with Federalists and Republicans aligning their competing visions of U.S. nationality with Great Britain and France, respectively. The proto-parties looked for ways to discredit their rival's vision of national identity and its association with one of the belligerent powers. The Republicans attempted to precipitate war with Great Britain during the Jay Treaty debates in 1795, while the Federalists succeeded in prosecuting a limited war with France in 1798–1799. The Quasi-War forced Republicans to drop their positive references to France. In their place, Jefferson and his followers articulated a uniquely American identity, grounded in democratic egalitarianism. The War of 1812 was a turning point in the formation of U.S. national identity. Trautsch argues that the conflict finally discredited Federalists' appeal to Britain as a foundation for American nationalism. The Genesis of America challenges Alan Taylor's depiction of the conflict as a thoroughly divisive civil war in which Americans and Britons fought on both sides.2 Trautsch does not deny that Federalists were opposed to the conflict at the beginning, but he argues that Federalists never countenanced serious opposition to the war, and, by 1814, they actually supported a defensive war. Trautsch's revisionism is most...

The purpose of the article is to analyse the role of civil society institutions in the formation of cultural resilience and national identity in the context of socio-cultural transformations, military challenges and global information pressure by identifying mechanisms through which non-state cultural initiatives contribute to the preservation of national values and cultural continuity. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines methods of cultural analysis, social anthropology, systemic, analytical methods, which will allow the author to clarify the meaning of local cultural initiatives and practices. Special attention is paid to the study of informal cultural activism within the activities of civil society institutions. The scientific novelty lies in the theoretical generalization and definition of cultural resilience as a dynamic ability of society to reproduce and transform identity in response to crisis phenomena. The role of modern civil institutions as mediators between the national cultural narrative and local cultural practices in the establishment of national identity is systematised and analysed, and their ability to produce new symbolic meanings, activate social cohesion, and influence public space is highlighted. Conclusions. The study found that civil society institutions play a key role in the process of forming cultural stability and preserving national identity, especially in conditions of socio-political instability, military conflicts, and hybrid information threats. Civil society not only supports cultural life at the local level, but also creates conditions for institutional continuity, semantic orientation, and civic mobilisation. In the cultural dimension, cultural sustainability appears as a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses identification, ethical, communication, and adaptation components, and in this context, it is the institutions of civil society that become the space of intersection of national culture, everyday practices, and symbolic meaning, ensuring cultural continuity in the face of constant challenges, existential threats, and other dynamic social changes.

Background. The current problem of modern science and philosophy is the formation of national identity, considering the transformation of the value system in the context of deglobalization. An attempt has been made to identify the factors determining the future position of Russia in the emerging multipolar world. Materials and methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the work of foreign and Russian authors devoted to the issues of globalization and deglobali-zation; information society; mediatization and networking; national identity; value orientations and life strategies. The use of the systematic, as well as a structural and functional approach enables comprehensively examining the problem of the formation of national identity with regard to the value transformations, taking into account the interconnection and interdependence of factors influencing the change in the structure of values of the Russians, including young people. In addition, the interdisciplinary approach allows including, along with philosophical concepts and categories, concepts of economics, political science, cultural studies, etc. Results. The author finds that deglobalization is a megatrend today that testifies to the changes in global development. Despite the differences in approaches to assessing the process of deglobalization, it is obvious that nowadays the processes of disintegration have affected almost all spheres of life. There is a fundamental shift in the global community towards a decentralized economic model that allows all countries to focus on their own interests and values. A mood of deep doubt has arisen in the social space regarding the flawlessness of the prospects for globalization. The threats and risks that lead to a deterioration of the position of the country in the global space are identified; the existing disadvantages that prevent the consolidation of various groups of the Russian population are outlined. The external factors that determine possible advantages and strengths, which may create favorable conditions for the formation of national identity, are determined. Conclusions. The analysis of historical, philosophical, scientific, theoretical and methodological sources shows the improvement of the social, economic and political climate in Russia. Favorable prerequisites for the formation of national identity as a condition of national security have developed in the public consciousness. Further promotion of Russian national interests in the international arena and awareness of national identity is a demonstration of the modern trend of deglobalization and therefore, despite fears and concerns of an isolationist nature, all this will contribute to strengthening national and societal security, as well as the successful development of the country, which coincides with the expectations of almost all segments of the population.

The article focuses on the priority tasks of the research topic, including increase of motivation for physical culture lessons, physical education and sports, development of a sense of national identity of schoolchildren, university students and cadets by means of combat horting, popularisation and preservation of national traditions and values of Ukrainians. The authors provide an analysis and synthesis of the concepts of ‘motivation’, ‘national identity’, identify motivational priorities, conduct a survey and provide recommendations for developing a sense of national identity in schoolchildren, university students and cadets, including as follows: 1. Patriotism and love for the Motherland (respect for national symbols and traditions, competitors and coaches; preservation of cultural heritage. 2. Formation of national identity and self-awareness (sense of belonging: horting promotes a sense of belonging to the nation, emphasising the originality and uniqueness of Ukrainian culture; pride in national achievements: participation in competitions and victories in international arenas creates a sense of pride in one's country. 3. Development of civic consciousness: active citizenship: Young people involved in horting often participate in social projects and volunteer initiatives, which promotes active citizenship. 4. Responsibility for the society: horting activities develop a sense of responsibility for the safety and well-being of their community and country as a whole. 5. Personal development and self-improvement: training willpower and self-discipline: Regular training contributes to the development of willpower, selfdiscipline and perseverance. 6. Developing leadership skills: Horting develops leadership skills, the ability to make decisions and lead others. 7. Social integration and cohesion: development of team spirit: Team training and competitions contribute to the development of skills of cooperation, mutual support and team spirit. 8. Social support and mutual help: Participants in a horting club often support each other not only during training, but also in everyday life, forming strong social bonds. 9. Physical health and safety: Improving health: Regular physical activity improves the health of young people, contributing to a healthy lifestyle. 10. Self-defence skills: Horting teaches young people self-defence skills that increase their self-confidence and safety in everyday life.

Sociology of sport knowledge on national identity is grounded in research that focuses primarily on long established nation-states with widely known histories. The relationship between sport and national identity in postsocialist/Soviet/colonial nations that have gained independence or sovereignty since 1990 has seldom been studied. This paper examines the role of sports in the formation of national identity in postsocialist Slovenia, a nation-state that gained independence in 1990. Our analysis focuses on the recent context in which the current but fluid relationship between sport and Slovenian national identity exists. Using Slovenia as a case study we identify seven factors that may moderate the effectiveness of sports as sites for establishing and maintaining national identity and making successful global identity claims in the twenty-first century. We conclude that these factors should be taken into account to more fully understand the sport-national identity relationship today, especially in new and developing nations.

has become the main platform for social interaction and information dissemination. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how social media contributes to the formation of students' national identities, taking into account technological, social, and cultural elements. The positive and negative impacts of social media on the strengthening of national values are researched with a qualitative approach and literature study methodology. Studies show that social media can help build a national identity by spreading positive content such as the country's history, culture, and achievements. However, on the other hand, there are challenges such as the spread of misinformation, the influence of foreign cultures, and the polarization of opinions that can threaten the unity of national identity. Therefore, collaborative efforts are needed between educational institutions, the government, and the community to optimize the role of social media as an educational medium and strengthen students' national identity in the digital era.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic was founded in 1975, and since then the government has tried to reinforce Lao national identity among its citizens. This research aims to study what kind of role the Lao female traditional skirt called the “Sinh” has played out in forming Lao national identity among the Lao people since the country’s establishment, and what kind of factors have affected the perspectives towards Sinh-wearing in Lao society. This research relies on both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The findings indicate that the Sinh has played an important role in constructing Lao women’s identity, and has had crucial role in the formation of Lao national identity since the foundation of the country. It strengthens and enhances national identity among Lao women by making them feel proud of themselves, and it undoubtedly also causes them to favor wearing it. The Sinh works as a powerful object to reinforce Lao national identity. Perspectives on the Sinh have changed through the nation’s almost half-century history in response to several sociopolitical factors, such as socialist ideology, the New Economic Mechanism, and globalization, as well as tourism expansion. More and more people, in particular among the younger generations, have perhaps become reluctant to wear it. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Lao women cherish and preserve its traditional value. Meanwhile, foreign people also perceive the Sinh as a symbol of national culture. The key findings of this research provide a better understanding of contemporary Lao culture and society, through the development of the Sinh in concern with the attempt to strengthen Lao national identity.