Nationalist Thinkers and Their Ideas

Nationalism is a complex and multifaceted political ideology that has evolved over centuries, with a range of thinkers contributing to its development. In the study of Politics, understanding the key ideas of prominent nationalist thinkers is essential for grasping the diversity within nationalist thought. This section covers the contributions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Johann Gottfried von Herder, Giuseppe Mazzini, Charles Maurras, and Marcus Garvey, linking their ideas to the wider themes of nationalism.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)

General Will

Rousseau introduced the concept of the general will, arguing that legitimate government must be based on the indivisible collective will of the ‘community’. For Rousseau, the general will represents the shared interests and values of the people as a whole, rather than the interests of a particular group or ruler. This idea supports the belief that nations possess the right to govern themselves, free from external control or domination.

Civic Nationalism

Rousseau’s notion of civic nationalism emerges from his belief in popular sovereignty and citizen participation. He maintained that the legitimacy of the state stems from the active engagement of its citizens in political life. Civic nationalism, therefore, is grounded in shared values, laws, and civic duties, rather than ethnicity or cultural heritage. It is inclusive, focusing on political membership and commitment to the nation’s principles.

Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744–1803)

Cultural Nationalism

Herder is renowned for pioneering cultural nationalism. He argued that every nation has a unique identity, shaped by language, traditions, and history. Herder believed that nations are not artificial constructs but organic communities, each with its own distinctive cultural character that should be celebrated and preserved.

Volk and Volksgeist

Central to Herder’s thought is the concept of the Volk; the people as the wellspring of national culture. He introduced the term Volksgeist (‘spirit of the people’), which refers to the special nature and collective identity of a nation. Herder insisted that each nation should strive to express its own Volksgeist, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Giuseppe Mazzini (1805–1872)

Nationhood

Mazzini believed that individuals could only achieve true self-expression and freedom through their nation. He argued that human freedom depends on the creation of independent nation-states, where people share a common identity and destiny. For Mazzini, the nation was not merely a political entity, but a moral and spiritual community.

Thought and Action

Rejecting pure intellectualism and rationalism, Mazzini advanced the idea of ‘thought and action’. He insisted that ideas must be translated into practical deeds, and that genuine nationalism requires active participation in the struggle for national unity and independence.

Charles Maurras (1868–1952)

Integral Nationalism

Maurras developed the doctrine of integral nationalism, an intensely emotional and authoritarian form of nationalism. In this model, individuals are expected to submerge their personal interests and identities into the nation, which is viewed as an organic whole. This approach is often exclusionary, emphasising loyalty and obedience to the nation above all else.

Militarism

A key feature of integral nationalism, according to Maurras, is militarism. This involves fostering a strong military ethos within the nation, encouraging unity, discipline, and readiness to defend the nation’s interests through force if necessary.

Marcus Garvey (1887–1940)

Black Pride

Garvey was a pivotal figure in the development of black nationalism. He championed black pride, urging people of African descent to take pride in their racial identity and to recognise the beauty and value of their heritage. Garvey’s message was one of self-empowerment and cultural affirmation.

Pan-Africanism

Garvey also advanced the concept of Pan-Africanism, the belief that all African people, regardless of where they lived, constituted a single people with a shared destiny. He maintained that progress for people of African descent could only be achieved by overcoming internal divisions and uniting as one global community.

Key Terminology

Volksgeist: The unique spirit or character of a nation, rooted in its people’s traditions, language, and culture (Herder).

Integral nationalism: An authoritarian and collective form of nationalism where individual interests are subordinated to the nation (Maurras).

Black nationalism: A form of nationalism advocating for the unity, pride, and self-determination of people of African descent (Garvey).

Summary

The diversity of nationalist thought is reflected in the ideas of these key thinkers. From Rousseau’s civic nationalism and the general will, through Herder’s cultural focus and the notion of Volksgeist, to Mazzini’s ideal of nationhood, Maurras’s integral nationalism, and Garvey’s advocacy for black pride and Pan-Africanism, each has shaped the development of nationalism in distinct ways. Understanding their theories is vital for a nuanced appreciation of the role nationalism continues to play in politics today.