Nationalism

Nationalism is a major force in both historical and contemporary politics. It shapes the identities of peoples, influences the formation and dissolution of states, and drives movements for both unity and independence. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the core ideas, principles, and types of nationalism, designed to support students studying Politics.

Core Ideas and Principles of Nationalism

Definitions of Nation

A nation is commonly understood as a group of people who share common bonds such as language, culture, history, or ethnicity. However, definitions of what constitutes a nation can vary. Some focus on objective factors (such as shared ancestry and language), while others emphasise subjective elements, like a shared sense of belonging or collective identity.

Self-Determination

The principle of self-determination holds that nations have the right to govern themselves and decide their own political future. This idea is central to many nationalist movements, particularly those seeking independence from larger states or empires.

Nation-State

A nation-state is a sovereign political entity whose boundaries coincide with those of a particular nation. The ideal of the nation-state is that the state (the political organisation) and the nation (the cultural or ethnic group) are congruent, providing a sense of unity and legitimacy.

Culturalism

Culturalism focuses on the importance of shared culture, traditions, and values in defining a nation. It asserts that a nation is bound together primarily by cultural ties rather than legal or political structures.

Racialism

Racialism is the belief that nations are defined by shared biological characteristics or race. This view is now widely discredited and associated with exclusionary or supremacist forms of nationalism, but historically it has influenced some nationalist movements.

Internationalism

Internationalism contrasts with nationalism by emphasising cooperation and solidarity between nations. However, some forms of nationalism, such as liberal internationalism and socialist internationalism, argue for a balance between national self-determination and international cooperation.

Nationalism and Key Aspects

Human Nature

Nationalists often argue that the desire to belong to a group with shared identity is a natural part of human behaviour. This sense of belonging provides security, meaning, and a framework for personal identity.

The State

For nationalists, the state should reflect and protect the interests of the nation. The legitimacy of a state, therefore, depends on its relationship with the nation it claims to represent. In the ideal nation-state, the government acts as the political expression of the national community.

Society

Society, from a nationalist perspective, is defined by shared traditions, values, and culture. Nationalists may seek to preserve or revive cultural practices and foster a sense of unity among members of the nation.

The Economy

Nationalist economic policies can range from protectionism; supporting domestic industries and limiting foreign influence, to economic independence as a means of asserting national sovereignty. The relationship between nationalism and the economy varies across different types of nationalism.

Key Terminology

Civic Nationalism: Defines the nation in terms of shared citizenship and political values rather than ethnicity or culture. It emphasises inclusivity and is often associated with liberal democracy.

Liberal Internationalism: Advocates for international cooperation and the spread of liberal values, while respecting the self-determination of nations.

Socialist Internationalism: Promotes solidarity among the working classes across national boundaries, arguing that class interests transcend national identity.

Ethnicity: Refers to shared cultural, linguistic, or ancestral traits. Ethnic nationalism bases national identity on common ethnic origins.

Different Types of Nationalism

Liberal Nationalism

Liberal nationalism is grounded in the values of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. It supports the idea that nations should be free to determine their own governments and that membership in the nation should be open and inclusive, based on shared political values rather than ethnicity or race. Liberal nationalism is often described as rational and progressive because it seeks to create tolerant, democratic societies.

Conservative Nationalism

Conservative nationalism emphasises tradition, social cohesion, and continuity. It tends to stress the importance of established cultural practices and often seeks to preserve the status quo. Membership in the nation is sometimes seen as inherited, and conservative nationalism can be more exclusive than its liberal counterpart.

Anti/Post-Colonial Nationalism

Anti-colonial and post-colonial nationalism emerged as responses to colonial rule, advocating for independence and self-determination of colonised peoples. These forms of nationalism are often progressive in their opposition to oppression, but can become exclusive or regressive if they seek to define the nation in narrow ethnic or cultural terms.

Expansionist Nationalism

Expansionist nationalism is an exclusive and often chauvinistic form, asserting that one nation is superior to others and justified in expanding its territory or influence. This type of nationalism is linked to imperialism and colonialism, and is typically considered regressive due to its association with conflict and oppression.

Comparative Analysis: Variation Among Types of Nationalism

Nationalism is not a uniform ideology; its forms vary significantly across time and place. The main axes of variation include:

• Rational vs. Irrational: Liberal nationalism is often seen as rational, based on reasoned principles of liberty and equality. Expansionist and chauvinistic forms are typically considered irrational, driven by emotion and prejudice.
• Progressive vs. Regressive: Nationalisms that promote freedom, equality, and self-determination (such as liberal and anti-colonial) are called progressive. Those that uphold exclusion, hierarchy, or aggression (such as expansionist or racialist nationalism) are regressive.
• Inclusive vs. Exclusive: Civic nationalism is inclusive, allowing people of different backgrounds to join the nation. Ethnic or racial nationalism is exclusive, limiting membership to those who share certain characteristics.
• Chauvinistic Nationalism: Extreme belief in the superiority of one's nation, often leading to hostility towards others. This is closely linked to expansionist and imperialist forms of nationalism.
• Imperialism/Colonialism: Expansionist nationalism often justifies imperialism (the domination of other peoples or territories) and colonialism (the control and exploitation of foreign lands).

Summary: Nationalism in UK and Global Politics

Nationalism remains a powerful and controversial force in modern politics. In the UK, debates over Scottish independence, Brexit, and multiculturalism illustrate the ongoing relevance of nationalist ideas. Globally, nationalism shapes conflicts, alliances, and the quest for self-determination. Understanding the core ideas, principles, and varieties of nationalism is essential for making sense of contemporary political developments and for engaging critically with the challenges and opportunities nationalism presents in the 21st century.