National Anthems as Nation-Building Tools

In order to develop national identity and encourage popular loyalty and devotion, countries adopt national symbols, including national anthems. This study supplements existing literature by synthesizing case studies and performing a comparative analysis. I examine the histories and contents of eight countries’ national anthems: the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, and Russia. I group the countries into three groups: colonial powers, post-colonial states, and countries that experienced dramatic regime changes in the 20th century. Through this framework, I am able to draw contrasts between similar countries and explore possible explanations for discrepancies between anthems. My results indicate that national anthems are both influenced by and levy influence on the nation-state. A change in a country’s national anthem is almost always linked to a change in regime or in the prevailing political agenda of leaders. Examples of the utility of anthems include using them to appeal to a source of legitimacy such as a divine monarchy, promoting an ideology among the masses, and increasing loyalty to the state.