Nationalism, once a potent force for political liberation and unity, now carries a contentious reputation. For many educated Westerners, it is viewed as a dangerous ideology, akin to what German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described as "an ideological poison". This perception starkly contrasts with Patriotism, often seen as a benign affection for one's homeland. Critics argue that nationalism fosters blind loyalty, overshadowing deeper commitments to justice and humanity.
In recent years, populist movements across the West (and also in the East) have sought to reclaim nationalism, promising to defend the majority's interests against immigrant minorities and out-of-touch elites. French President Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron, in a critique of this trend, equated nationalism with a betrayal of patriotism. Scholars further complicate this by distinguishing between civic nationalism, inclusive of all citizens, and ethnic nationalism, based on ancestry and language. However, this dichotomy overlooks their common roots: patriotism is inherently a form of nationalism.
At its core, nationalism holds that the members of a nation - understood as a group with a shared history and political destiny - should govern themselves and prioritise their collective interests. This principle has been instrumental in various political ideologies. Liberal nationalism flourished in 19th Century Europe and Latin America, Fascist nationalism emerged in interwar Italy and Germany, and Marxist nationalism fuelled anti-colonial movements in the Global South post-World War II. Today, nationalism's foundational tenets are widely accepted across the political spectrum.
Nationalism has profoundly shaped modern political institutions, including democracy, the welfare state and public education. It was a key force in defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, and in liberating nations from colonial rule. However, its critics often conflate nationalism solely with right-wing politics, missing its broader impact on all modern political ideologies, including liberal and progressive ones.
Despite its positive contributions, nationalism's dark side cannot be ignored. Loyalty to the nation can lead to the demonisation of others, including foreigners and disloyal minorities. Historically, nationalism has increased the frequency of wars and ethnic cleansing, as seen in the Balkan Wars, the Armenian genocide and the Holocaust. More commonly, nationalism has fuelled civil wars and secessionist movements.
The appeal of nationalism lies in its promise of equality and better governance. Early nation-states, like France and the United States, became powerful by mobilising popular support and resources. This model of statehood proved attractive worldwide, leading to the dissolution of empires and the rise of nation-states. The Meiji Restoration in Japan exemplifies how nationalism spurred rapid modernisation and military strength.
Nationalism's success also stems from its ability to offer common people a better deal - equality before the law, political participation and state-provided public goods. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of loyalty and mutual obligation among citizens, laying the foundation for modern democracies and welfare states.
However, the distribution of nationalism's benefits and harms depends on how inclusive the governing coalitions are. Countries with inclusive political systems, like Switzerland, have remained peaceful and stable. In contrast, exclusive systems, where power is monopolised by a single ethnic group, often lead to conflict and civil war, as seen in contemporary Syria.
Promoting inclusive nationalism is crucial for reducing violence and fostering stability. This requires building diverse political alliances and strengthening state institutions. In the West, addressing the alienation of working-class populations through inclusive public goods projects and national narratives can help counter the appeal of populist nationalism.
Ultimately, nationalism remains a foundational principle of the modern world. Leaders must learn to harness its positive aspects while mitigating its potential for exclusion and violence, striving to represent and protect all their people.
This article was published by Talk Diplomacy on June 13, 2024.
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