Final answer:
Nationalism is primarily associated with centripetal forces, fostering unity and strength within a nation. However, when it becomes exclusionary, it can create centrifugal forces leading to division. The balance between maintaining cultural heritage and economic globalization is a challenge for many nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of nationalism generally provides centripetal forces. This is because nationalism embodies the unification and agreement among the members within a nation-state, which in turn strengthens national identity and social cohesion. When citizens share national pride and loyalty to their country, as seen in the surge of nationalism after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, it can foster unity and strengthen the bonds within a country. However, it's essential to recognize that nationalism can take a divisive turn if it becomes exclusionary or oppressive to certain groups, potentially triggering centrifugal forces leading to conflict or division within a state.
On a broader scale, nations also face the challenge of balancing their unique cultural heritage with the economic and political demands of globalization. For instance, European countries grapple with the assimilation into the European Union (EU) while trying to maintain their cultural identity, displaying the tug-of-war between centrifugal and centripetal forces.