Revanchism

Revanchism is a political sentiment or doctrine that seeks to recover lost territory or restore national prestige through political, diplomatic, or military means. The term is derived from the French revanche, meaning revenge, and is commonly used to describe irredentist or nationalist movements that aim to overturn a previous defeat or unfavorable settlement.

Historically associated most closely with France after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, revanchism focused on regaining the region of Alsace-Lorraine, which was annexed by the German Empire. The label has since been applied more broadly to any movement or state agenda that seeks to restore former borders or reassert dominance viewed as deserved by history or national destiny. Revanchist currents can shape foreign policy, domestic politics, and public discourse, sometimes accompanying aggressive rhetoric or military pressure, and at other times taking a more diplomatic or symbolic path.

Beyond France, revanchism can appear in various national contexts where a society perceives itself to have suffered a grave or humiliating defeat, lost territory, or diminished influence. It often coexists with nationalism and irredentism and can intersect with memory politics, identity issues, and regional tensions. Critics warn that revanchist agendas raise the risk of renewed conflict, while supporters argue they reflect a long-standing demand for justice and historical continuity.

In sum, revanchism denotes a persistent urge to reverse past losses and restore a nation’s perceived rightful position, shaping both rhetoric and policy across time and places.