Differing Views & Tensions in Nationalism

by admin · June 7, 2022

Views and Tensions within Nationalism

Based around the belief in government by consent usually in the shape of the nation state
Heavily influenced by the Enlightenment
Positive view of national self-determination linked to freedom and democracy
STRESS POINTS – mostly with Conservative, Post-Colonial and Expansionist nationalisms which may be less interested in individualism, democratic states and the freedom/sovereignty of other states
Key thinkers – Rousseau and his emphasis on freedoms, national self-determination and civic (political) society

Nationalism at its most traditional
Collective unity of the nation is more important than individual freedoms
‘Organic’ view of society/nation with each individual part of the collective whole
May be regressive, nativist, racialist, imperialist / expansionist
STRESS POINTS – mostly with liberal nationalism and its emphasis on democracy and individual freedoms. Patriotism as a key social characteristic and a desire to preserve national traditions
Key thinkers – Herder, Maurass

Seeks freedom from imperial/colonial rule – this does not mean it will always produce liberal democracies
This strand of nationalism frequently produces conservative/authoritarian governments with strong and sometimes exclusive views on national identity
Capable of producing dictatorships based around personality cults of leaders
May also be described as ‘liberation nationalism’ where the new state has fought against and overthrown imperial / colonial powers
Some forms of post-colonial nationalism show strong tendencies towards forms of socialism based on an understanding of capitalism as a tool of economic exploitation by colonial powers
STRESS POINTS – with liberalism when the newly formed/liberated state fails to produce liberal democracies. With expansionist nationalism following wars of independence/liberation
Key thinkers: Garvey (but may also apply to elements of Mazzini’s thinking and actions)

Strong links to anti / post-colonial nationalism
Based on a belief in a common – Ethiopian – ancestry
Based around a narrative experience of slavery and subjugation
Emphasises sameness and inclusivity of all black people
Sometimes referred to as ‘black-consciousness’ or ‘black-power’
STRESS POINTS – with conservative / expansionist nationalism where it seeks to challenge the exclusivity and racialism of both strands
Key thinkers: Garvey

Imperialist and colonial forms of nationalism
Assumes their nation state to be superior to all others
May contain strong elements of militarism and armed conquest
May also be described as chauvinistic and exclusive
May also tend towards racialism / racism
Tends also towards culturalism in terms of how it may see the mystical / emotional connection between the individual and state or ethnic / cultural group
STRESS POINTS – with liberal nationalism on the grounds that expansionists do not respect the sovereignty of other nation-states AND on the basis of their sense of racial/national superiority. Obvious direct contrast with Black Nationalism and Anti / Post-Colonial Nationalism
Key thinkers: Maurras and Herder