Nationalism

Nationalism is a political ideology and movement that emphasizes the nation as the primary source of political identity and legitimacy. It seeks to align political institutions and borders with a community defined by shared history, culture, language, or ethnicity, and to promote self-determination for that community.

Nationalist currents vary in their emphasis and inclusivity. Civic or liberal nationalism bases membership on shared political values and citizenship, aiming to unite diverse groups under common institutions. Ethnic or ethno-nationalist movements foreground ancestry or language and may privilege particular groups, sometimes at the expense of minorities.

Nationalism has played a central role in the formation of modern states and national movements, influencing revolutions, unifications, and decolonization from the 18th century onward. It has supported both liberal projects of constitutional government and self-government and more exclusionary or expansionist projects that justify coercion or ethnic exclusion.

Critics argue that nationalism can threaten minority rights and provoke conflict, while supporters contend it fosters social cohesion, democratic accountability, and a sense of common purpose. The balance between inclusive national belonging and exclusionary nationalism is a persistent subject of scholarly debate.

In the contemporary era nationalism intersects with globalization, migration, and regional integration. It is a significant element in populist politics in many countries and in various regional independence movements. Debates continue over whether nationalism is a legitimate basis for political legitimacy or a parochial force that undermines liberal universals.