National symbols as signs of unity and division

All state leaders engage in symbolic nation-building in order to foster a sense of national unity among all segments of the country's population. In new states, however, the flag, anthem, and other emblems are often contested by various ethnic and political groups. Instead of unifying the nation they divide it. There are, however, no inherent qualities in state symbols that prevent them from being accepted, and likewise, no particular design will in and of itself guarantee their success. The divisiveness vs. unifying potential of new state symbols is first and foremost a function of whom they are being associated with and how they are being exploited politically. The good news for nation-builders is that the time factor is on their side. This claim is substantiated through an analysis of conflicts over national symbols in one new state ( Bosnia), one newly reconfigured state ( Russia) and one established nation-state ( Norway).