The rise of national identities across Southwest Asia during the 20th century profoundly reshaped the political landscape. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I created a power vacuum, and various groups sought self-determination based on shared language, religion, ethnicity, and historical experiences. This led to the establishment of new nation-states with distinct borders and political systems, often superimposed over existing ethnic and religious divisions. For example, the creation of mandates like Iraq and Syria brought together diverse communities under artificial boundaries, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
The pursuit of self-rule fueled independence movements and spurred significant social and political upheaval. These movements often challenged existing power structures, leading to the overthrow of monarchies and the establishment of republics in some instances. The desire for national autonomy also spurred modernization efforts, including educational reforms, infrastructure development, and the adoption of new legal systems, as nascent nations sought to establish their own identities on the world stage. This period laid the foundation for the complex political dynamics that continue to shape the region today.
