what is nationalism?
the belief that people who share a common national identity should govern themselves as an independent nation-state
believe that the nation state is the key source of loyalty and belonging for people
‘chameleon ideology’
Sociologist Anthony D. Smith
nationalism is flexible and has been combined with a range of other political beliefs/ ideology’s on both the left and right
this means that different strands of nationalism are radically different from each other in many ways
how can nationalism be inclusive?
all who share certain values, open to internationalism and the freedom of all, and progressive as it looks forward to construct a new political future based on civic nationalism, peace and democracy
how can nationalism be exclusive?
reject those who dont share a certain culture/history, opposed to internationalism and regressive and reactionary, as it looks to maintain the status quo and uses this to justify imperialist expansion, authoritarianism, war and domination of others.
what do nationalists sharply disagree over?
who belongs to the state, what it represents, and how it should act.
