Final answer:
The Peace Arch monument represents the peaceful relationship between the United States and Canada, a focus on cooperative nation-building, and is a departure from the historical emphasis on triumphal war monuments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Peace Arch monument located on the U.S.-Canada border in the state of Washington stands as a symbol of the peaceful relationship between the two nations. It signifies mutual respect and partnership, underlining the concept of peaceful borders without the need for military enforcement. This monument represents an aspect of nation-building that is centered around peace and cooperation, in contrast to monuments that celebrate military victories or dominance.
In the context of nation-building, the decision to erect monuments to peace rather than war marks a philosophical shift in how a nation views its place in the world and its relationships with its neighbors. Historical examples, such as the Ara Pacis Augustae in ancient Rome, demonstrate the choice of Augustus to champion peace and prosperity as part of his campaign to strengthen political messaging and public perception.
Contemporary monuments, like the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., also reflect this change as they commemorate the sacrifices of war in a somber, reflective manner, rather than glorifying the acts of war itself. This shift in the narrative of nation-building through monuments and memorials is significant and tells us much about the values and self-identity of a country.