nationalism
/ˈnæʃənəlɪzəm/
Nationalism is generally used as an uncountable noun, meaning the concept or ideology itself. It can sometimes be used as a countable noun (nationalisms) when referring to distinct types or instances of nationalist movements or ideologies in different countries or contexts. While often associated with positive concepts like patriotism and national pride, 'nationalism' frequently carries negative connotations, implying excessive or aggressive devotion to one's nation, often at the expense of others. The context and surrounding words usually clarify whether a positive or negative sense is intended.
💬Casual Conversation
Ugh, Mrs. Henderson's 'heritage' post is just thinly veiled nationalism.
Classic silo mentality. Gotta leverage diverse viewpoints, hon.
Collocations & Compounds
economic nationalism
A policy of prioritizing domestic industries and jobs over international trade and investment.
The government's recent trade policies are a clear example of economic nationalism.
civic nationalism
A form of nationalism compatible with values such as universal liberty, tolerance, and individual rights.
Unlike ethnic nationalism, civic nationalism is based on shared political values and institutions.
left-wing nationalism
A form of nationalism characterized by a combination of socialist or social democratic political and economic policies.
The party's platform showed a strong commitment to left-wing nationalism.
cultural nationalism
A form of nationalism that focuses on shared cultural heritage, language, and traditions.
The preservation of the local dialect is a key aspect of their cultural nationalism.
aggressive nationalism
A fervent and often hostile form of nationalism that can lead to conflict.
Critics warned that the leader's rhetoric was promoting aggressive nationalism.
Cultural Context
Nationalism, a potent force that shapes identities and political landscapes, is a complex phenomenon with a rich and often contradictory history. At its core, it's the belief that one's nation is the primary object of loyalty and devotion, a shared sense of identity often forged through common language, culture, history, and territory.
Historically, nationalism played a crucial role in the formation of modern nation-states. The Enlightenment and the subsequent French Revolution, for instance, fueled a powerful sense of national unity and popular sovereignty, replacing allegiances to monarchs or feudal lords with loyalty to 'la patrie.' This wave of nationalism was instrumental in unifying disparate regions into cohesive entities, fostering a sense of shared destiny and collective purpose. It inspired movements for independence across Europe and the Americas, allowing peoples to cast off colonial rule and establish self-governance.
However, the very qualities that make nationalism a powerful engine for unity can also be its undoing. When this devotion curdles into an aggressive assertion of national superiority, it can lead to xenophobia, conflict, and oppression. The 20th century, in particular, bore tragic witness to the destructive potential of extreme nationalism, from the revanchist ambitions that fueled World War I to the genocidal ideologies of Nazism. In these instances, the 'us' of the nation was defined in stark opposition to a dehumanized 'them,' leading to unimaginable atrocities.
Even in its less extreme forms, nationalism can present challenges. It can foster protectionist economic policies that hinder global cooperation, or it can lead to the marginalization of minority groups within a nation who do not conform to the dominant cultural narrative. Understanding the historical trajectory and psychological underpinnings of nationalism is therefore essential to navigating its persistent influence on our world, recognizing both its capacity for positive nation-building and its ever-present potential for division and destruction.
Etymology
The word 'nationalism' comes from 'nation', which derives from the Latin 'natio', meaning 'birth, race, tribe, or people'. It evolved through Old French 'nation' and Middle English 'nacioun'. The suffix '-ism' denotes a doctrine, practice, or movement. Thus, 'nationalism' emerged in the late 18th century to describe a political ideology centered on loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state, advocating for its interests above all others.