Modernist vs perennialist interpretations of how modernity affected nations
editThe modernist interpretation sees the relationship of nations to modernity as :nations as modern creations that use preexisting ethnic realities as raw material for myth making. The pereniallist / historicist view sees nations as already existing conceptions in peoples minds of poltical communities, that were then transformed into modern nations because religious and dynastic rule loast legitimacy, and popular rule was elevated. Therefore nations, which had always existed, were now given heightened force and authority because the people were given heightened force and authority.