Every nation’s internal power relations are unique and must be studied as such

Evidence

In reality, the internal relations of any nation are the result of a combination which is “original” and (in a certain sense) unique: these relations must be understood and conceived in their originality and uniqueness if one wishes to dominate them and direct them. To be sure, the line of development is towards internationalism, but the point of departure is “national”-and it is from this point of departure that one must begin. Yet the perspective is international and cannot be otherwise. Consequently, it is necessary to study accurately the combination of national forces which the international class [the proletariat] will have to lead and develop, in accordance with the international perspective and directives [i. — Antonio Gramsci, Selections from the Prison Notebooks, 907

Categorization

• XREF: This ‘national point of departure toward an international perspective’ dialectic will echo usefully when Islamophobia readings treat nationally-specific racial formations within a transnational frame.