Nationalist Thinkers & Ideas (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Argued that sovereignty lies with the people

• Developed the idea of the general will as the basis of political authority

• Viewed nations as civic, based on shared political values rather than ethnicity

• Believed active participation was essential to national cohesion

Johann Gottfried von Herder

• Argued that nations are defined by a shared culture and language

• Developed the concept of ‘volksgeist’ or national spirit

• Emphasised the importance of preserving cultural traditions

• Rejected the idea that nations should be judged by universal standards

Giuseppe Mazzini

• Argued that nations have a moral right to self-determination

• Believed individuals have a duty to the nation

• Supported national unity as a route to political freedom

• Influenced liberal and anti-colonial nationalist movements

Charles Maurras

• Advocated integral nationalism

• Emphasised tradition, hierarchy and authority

• Supported ethnic and cultural definitions of the nation

• Rejected liberal democracy and internationalism

Marcus Garvey

• Promoted Pan-African nationalism

• Argued for Black self-determination and political autonomy

• Emphasised racial pride as a means of empowerment

• Linked nationalism to liberation from colonial oppression