nationalist

Nationalist refers to a person who supports nationalism, a political ideology that emphasizes the primacy of the nation as the core focus of political allegiance, identity, and sovereignty. Nationalists typically advocate self-determination for a nation or national group, prefer national decision-making for domestic and foreign policy, and seek to preserve or promote national culture, institutions, and borders. Distinctions are drawn between civic or liberal nationalism, which anchors loyalty to shared political values and institutions, and ethnic or ethno-nationalism, which centers on common ancestry, language, culture, or religion.

Origins of modern nationalism are linked to early modern and revolutionary eras, with the emergence of nation-states in Europe and, later, in other regions. Nationalism has served as a unifying force for state-building and independence movements, but it has also been used to justify exclusion, discrimination, or territorial claims. Variants include religious nationalism, conservative or liberal nationalism, and expansionist or xenophobic forms, each prioritizing the nation in different ways.

In contemporary politics, nationalist rhetoric can animate secessionist movements, counter-immigration policies, or efforts to redefine national identity. Critics argue that nationalism can provoke intolerance toward minorities, threaten minority rights, or escalate conflicts between states. Proponents contend that it can legitimize popular sovereignty, democratic participation, and accountability.

See also: patriotism, national identity, civic nationalism, ethnic nationalism, secession, sovereignty.