Types of Nationalism (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

An introduction to types of nationalism

• Nationalism is not a single ideology and exists in a range of different forms

• All nationalists value the nation, but disagree over how national identity should be defined

• Different types of nationalism vary in their views on:

  • identity

  • sovereignty

  • the role of the state

• As a result, nationalism can take liberal, conservative, anti/post-colonial or expansionist forms

Liberal nationalism

• Liberal nationalism emphasises civic rights and an inclusive national identity

  • National belonging is based on shared political values rather than ethnicity or culture

• It encourages active political participation

  • Citizens are expected to engage in public life and democratic processes

• Liberal nationalists advocate democratic participation and political freedom

  • Legitimate authority is derived from the people

• They support self-determination

  • This should take place within legal and constitutional frameworks

• Liberal nationalism encourages multicultural integration

  • Individuals can join the nation by accepting the values of the state they wish to belong to

• The nation-state is viewed as a means of guaranteeing:

  • liberty

  • rights

  • political equality

Key thinkers

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Argued sovereignty rests with the people

• Emphasised civic responsibility and participation in government

Giuseppe Mazzini

• Argued civic duty was a moral responsibility owed to the nation

• Linked national unity to political freedom

Conservative nationalism

• Conservative nationalism emphasises the importance of historical traditions and continuity in creating a shared national identity

• National identity is closely tied to:

  • heritage

  • history

  • symbols

• This produces a strong sense of patriotism

  • Loyalty to the nation is rooted in shared traditions and cultural inheritance

• Conservative nationalists are sceptical of radical change

  • Rapid social or political change is seen as a threat to national cohesion

• They are often critical of multicultural integration

  • National identity is formed through heritage rather than choice

  • Individuals cannot simply ‘opt in’ to a nation without:

    • giving up their own heritage

    • adopting the traditions of their new nation

• Social order and stability are prioritised

  • National cohesion is seen as dependent on continuity and tradition

Key thinkers

Charles Maurras

• Promoted ‘integral nationalism’

• Argued ethnic and cultural norms were essential for national stability

• Emphasised hierarchy and authority as necessary for order

Johann Gottfried von Herder

• Argued for cultural preservation as central to national stability

• Emphasised the role of shared culture in uniting the nation

Post-colonial nationalism

• Anti/post-colonial nationalism seeks liberation from imperial or colonial rule

  • The aim is to achieve self-determination for the nation

• It emphasises the right of colonised peoples to govern themselves

  • External control is viewed as illegitimate and oppressive

• A key focus is the restoration of suppressed cultures and languages

  • Colonial rule is seen as having eroded national identity

• Anti/post-colonial nationalism often values inclusivity

  • National membership is not restricted by ethnicity

  • This aligns it more closely with civic forms of nationalism

• National identity is used as a tool for:

  • political mobilisation

  • resistance

  • liberation

Key thinkers

Marcus Garvey

• Promoted Pan-African nationalism

• Argued for Black self-determination across the global African diaspora

• Emphasised racial pride as a means of political empowerment

Giuseppe Mazzini

• Linked self-determination with a moral duty to the nation

• His ideas inspired later independence movements following his role in Italian unification

Expansionist nationalism

• Expansionist nationalism advocates national growth through territorial expansion

• Expansion is often justified through claims of:

  • racial superiority

  • cultural superiority

  • ethnic dominance

• The interests of the state are prioritised over international norms

  • Peace and cooperation are secondary to national strength

• Expansionist nationalism often views the nation as exclusive

  • Membership may require a shared heritage or ancestry

• Sovereignty of other nations may be ignored or overridden

  • Expansion is seen as legitimate if it strengthens the nation

Key thinkers

Charles Maurras

• Advocated ethnically based national dominance

• Argued expansion could strengthen national unity and power