Definition and Core Concepts
Nationalism: Political ideology emphasizing nation as primary identity and unit of political organization; nation's interests paramount.
Nation: Community with shared identity, culture, history, language (or some combination)
Key distinction: Nation (cultural) vs. state (political)
Modern nationalism: Often conflates nation and state (nation-state ideal)
Historical Development of Nationalism
Pre-modern
Before nationalism:
- People identified with monarchy, religion, city
- Loyalty to king or church
- Empire or feudal systems
Modern nationalism (late 1700s onward)
Emergence:
- French Revolution: "nation" as sovereignty source
- Democratic revolutions: people as nation
- Romantic movement: emphasis on national character/culture
Nation-state project: Creating state matching national boundaries
Challenges: Nations and states don't align; minorities, diasporas, multiethnic states
Types of Nationalism
Civic Nationalism
Definition: Nation as political community based on shared civic values, not ethnicity
Characteristics:
- Inclusive (anyone accepting values can join)
- Based on consent
- Compatible with democracy and pluralism
- Liberal nationalism
Examples:
- American multiculturalism model (immigrants as Americans)
- Constitutional patriotism
- Inclusive nationalism
Advantage: Can accommodate diversity
Ethnic Nationalism
Definition: Nation based on shared ethnicity, ancestry, culture
Characteristics:
- Exclusionary (born into nation)
- Emphasis on ethnic/racial purity
- Cultural/linguistic homogeneity
- Difficult to join
Examples:
- Nazi Germany
- Japanese nationalism (emperor as ethnic symbol)
- Hungarian nationalism
- Indian Hindu nationalism
Danger: Easily becomes xenophobic and oppressive
Civic vs. Ethnic in Practice
Reality: Most nationalism mixes both
Example: American nationalism
- Civic ideals (equality, democracy, individual rights)
- Ethnic/cultural aspects (English language, Christian heritage, "Western civilization")
Nationalism and Politics
Liberal Nationalism
Combines: Nationalism with liberal values
Principles:
- National self-determination
- But within liberal democracy framework
- Protecting minority rights
- Limited government
- Individual rights
Tension: Nationalism emphasizes collective; liberalism emphasizes individual
Authoritarian Nationalism
Characteristics:
- Charismatic leader
- Suppression of opposition
- Emphasis on national strength
- Often militaristic
- Us vs. them mentality
Examples: Fascism, militarism
Danger: Nationalist sentiment mobilized for authoritarian ends