Rahvuslus

Rahvuslus (Estonian: nationalism) is a political and cultural ideology that centers the nation as the primary source of political loyalty and social identity. It holds that a nation—a community defined by common language, culture, history, and often ethnicity—deserves political self-determination, sovereignty, or a shared political project. In practice, rahvuslus can emphasize either ethno-cultural ties or civic criteria, and may be inclusive or exclusive in approach. Ethnic nationalism prioritizes membership based on ancestry, language, and descent; civic nationalism defines nationhood through voluntary allegiance to a set of political values and institutions.

Historically, rahvuslus emerged with modern nation-states and romantic nationalist movements in Europe, gaining momentum during periods of state consolidation and independence movements. In the Baltic region, nationalism contributed to language revival, cultural reforms, and eventual independence from empires and, later, from Soviet rule. In the late 20th and 21st centuries, nationalism has influenced state-building, border policies, and debates over immigration and minority rights, sometimes fueling xenophobia or ethnically exclusive policies, and at other times promoting inclusive citizenship and cultural preservation.

Scholars distinguish nationalism from patriotism and emphasize its dual potential: it can unite diverse populations under a shared political project or become a source of exclusion and conflict when defined by heredity, forced assimilation, or discrimination. In modern political discourse, rahvuslus is thus a contested and situational phenomenon, shaping laws, education, and identity in many countries.