pannationalist

Pannationalism is a political ideology or movement that advocates closer political, cultural, or economic ties among multiple distinct nations or ethnic groups that cross existing state boundaries. Proponents argue that shared language, history, culture, or strategic interests justify collaboration, solidarity, or even political unification across borders. Forms of pannationalism can range from loose cross-border cooperation and federative arrangements to calls for a single supra-national political entity, or to broad programs of cultural exchange and economic integration.

The term is used flexibly in political science and does not denote a single coherent doctrine. It is often associated with movements that seek unity among culturally or linguistically related peoples or with anti-imperialist projects that view transnational solidarity as a path to greater political autonomy or strength. Historical and contemporary examples include Pan-Arabism, Pan-Slavism, Pan-Turkism, Pan-Africanism, and various manifestations of regional or continental integration, such as Latin Americanist or European-inspired initiatives. In practice, pannationalist projects have diversified widely, from cultural solidarity networks to political federations or unions.

Critics emphasize potential drawbacks, including the risk of eroding minority rights within a broader pan-national framework, suppressing internal diversity, or provoking interstate tensions when interests diverge. The feasibility of pannationalism often hinges on convergent political institutions, durable cross-border identities, and the ability to manage competing sovereignties and external pressures.

See also: nationalism, federalism, supranationalism, regionalism, irredentism.