ethnonationalistische

Ethnonationalistische, in English commonly rendered as ethnonationalist or ethnonationalism, is a form of nationalism in which the political nation is defined primarily by ethnicity—shared ancestry, language, culture, and sometimes religion—or in which political claims are anchored to a specific ethnic group's rights to self-determination. Proponents argue that a nation should reflect a common ethnic identity and that political community benefits from cultural cohesion. Critics contend that ethnonationalist ideas treat ethnicity as an essential, immutable criterion for belonging and can justify exclusion or coercive actions toward minorities.

Historically, ethnonationalist ideas emerged in 18th and 19th century Europe alongside the development of modern nation-states and national self-determination. They have influenced both secessionist movements and state-building policies, most clearly during the dissolution of multiethnic empires and in periods of ethnic conflict. In some contexts, ethnonationalist movements advocate for ethnically homogeneous citizenship, language-specific education policies, or territorial autonomy framed around ethnicity.

Variations range from inclusive forms that seek to preserve minority rights within a national framework to exclusivist forms that prioritize a single ethnicity over others. In liberal democracies, ethnonationalist currents raise questions about citizenship, minority rights, and pluralism. Critics argue that ethnonationalism can undermine liberal equality, fuel discrimination, and increase the risk of ethnic violence, especially in heterogeneous societies.

See also: Ethnic nationalism, Civic nationalism, Self-determination, Nationalism, Multiculturalism.