What Is Nationalism?
As a political ideology, nationalism is the notion that a nation should be free to govern itself without any external interference. It holds that the nation is the only true source of power and that no other nation’s laws can be imposed upon them. It is closely associated with patriotism, which is a very similar concept.
Nationalism can be a positive influence, and is often a catalyst behind revolutionist movements that help free nations from the tyranny of others. Unfortunately, it can also be a negative influence and nationalism was a driving force behind the holocaust. There are different types of nationalism, and here’s a look at some of the most commonly encountered.
1. Religious Nationalism
Most nations will not have a national affiliation with any one religion. While the population may be free to practice religion, and it may even be that the majority follow a particular religion, most nations still remain secular on the whole. Not all nations have the same policies, though, and some states have very strong affiliations with particular religions. Saudi Arabia, for example, is an Islamic state. Not only is Islam entwined at state level, but it is also something that much of the population feel a strong connection to. Another example might be the United States with a largely Christian population that consider their country to be a Christian nation, even though it is technically secular.
2. Racial Nationalism
As mankind spread throughout the globe, so they began to adapt to the environment they were living in. People living in hot countries, for example, retained dark skin because it has more melanin; a pigment that helps protect us from the sun. In countries where the sun was not as much of a threat, people’s skin began to lose its pigmentation.
This led to certain nations and regions becoming associated with certain races. Unfortunately, this means that even in the 21st century, some people have their nationality determined by others according to their race. Racial nationalism is also sometimes used as a tool by politicians and others for political gains.
3. Ethnic Nationalism
Ethnic nationalism is the notion that the nation is defined by characteristics such as religion, race, and language. It can also include traditions and cultures that are shared by the population. While it is not always the case, ethnic nationalism can lead to racism, oppression, and persecution.
Ethnic nationalism was one of the driving forces behind the Nazi party. The party considered the Aryan race to be “the master race,” and all others were to be subservient. Aryans and Caucasians were considered to be a key part of the German national identity at the time. In some cases, minority ethnicities may develop a nationalistic association with their ethnicity but not their host nation’s typical characteristics.
4. Civic Nationalism
Civic nationalism, which is also often called liberal nationalism, can be considered to be the opposite of ethnic nationalism. Instead of ethnicity being the key identifying feature, individuals will instead identify more with the state. All individuals will have equal rights to the “indigenous” ethnicity, while also sharing the same customs and traditions.
Civic Nationalism can often be seen in European countries where there has been considerable immigration of the centuries. In Britain, for example, many individuals from non-indigenous ethnicities will consider themselves to be British, and proud to call themselves as such. Unfortunately, this does not mean that racism and prejudice do not exist in these countries.
5. Left-Wing Nationalism
If any movement combines both nationalism and left-wing ideologies, it can be considered to be left-wing nationalism. Nationalist movements are often inspired by the perception that their nation is being persecuted by another nation, and that they should be liberated from that persecution.
Such nationalistic movements will often identify people as nationals based on their ethnicity. Left-wing nationalism, however, will not discriminate on ethnicities and other demographics. One example is Fidel Castro’s 26th of July Movement, which sought to free all Cuban nationals from a dictatorship regardless of their ethnicity. Another is Ireland’s Sinn Fein party, which is strongly in favor of Irish Nationalism, while also being a left-wing organization.
6. Economic Nationalism
Economic nationalism is an ideology that supports the intervention of a nation’s economies by the state. This can mean the state taking control of labor and the economy even when it means imposing restrictions on free trade. It is often associated with protectionism, which means limiting imports to protect domestic industries.
Economic nationalism does sometimes take place even in nations where free trade is encouraged. For example, if a major domestic industry is the subject of a takeover by a foreign company, the government may step in to block the sale. Reasons can range from protecting jobs, to ensuring the nation maintains a presence in certain sectors.
7. Anti-Colonial Nationalism
During the colonial period, European nations in particular began colonizing much of the world. The British, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese colonized other nations across the globe, bringing them under control. In recent generations, however, these nations have been rising up against colonization.
Wanting to have colonizing powers “kicked out” is often termed as anti-colonial nationalism. The indigenous people unite as a nation to protest against the occupying powers and move to regain control of their own nation. There are still some colonies remaining on Earth, although these are mostly happy to remain colonies. For the time being at least anyway.
8. Territorial Nationalism
As has been mentioned already, some nationalists will exclude certain groups based upon demographics such as race, religions, and cultures. These people might then be deemed to not truly be members of that nation, and belong instead to the nation from which their ancestry lies.
It is the notion that all of the population owe a duty to the country in which they were born, or that they have adopted. They are expected to share the common values of the rest of the populous and also get involved with traditions and pop culture. One example of this is people being expected to sing the national anthem, especially if they are not considered to belong to a native ethnicity.
9. Integral Nationalism
The word “integral,” means something that is necessary to make something complete. As such, integral nationalism refers to the notion that certain qualities are essential if the nation is to be whole. This typically happens after a nation has fought and won independence and then needs to establish their own state and identity.
Typical characteristics of integral nationalism include statism, which means the state has considerable control over the nation’s affairs. Also included are anti-individualism and radical extremism. Such notions arise from the perception that the state needs to maintain a strong militaristic identity in order to continue to survive. Integral nationalism will often be likened to fascism.
10. Sports Nationalism
Sports are well known to have the ability to bring people together. They can be very effective at bringing together people from different nations, while they can also be very effective at doing the complete opposite. People will often have a strong association with their national sporting teams and have strong desires that their nation can come out on top.
In some cases, sports have even been used to help strengthen bonds between nations and their colonies. Soldiers were asked to get involved in sporting events and the local population were encouraged to join in. One example of this is the game of cricket, which is a national sport of multiple nations that were once, or still are, part of the British Empire.
