Types of Nationalism

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Liberal Nationalism

Mazzini argued that individual liberty would find its true place within nationalism. Rousseau, who believed in popular sovereignty, contended that popular self-government and liberal principles fused due to the autocratic and oppressive nature of multinational empires of which nationalists fought. Woodrow Wilson brought about the idea of self-determination after World War One to promote the idea that a country has a right to rule itself, free of outside control.

Nationalists argued nations are sovereign entities; entitled to liberty and self-determination

Liberal nationalism opposes all forms of foreign domination and oppression

It stands for government based on constitutionalism and representation

Further, promotes the belief that all nations are equal; construct a world of independent nation-states

Liberals believe that nationalism is a force capable of promoting unity amongst the nations

This involves mutual respect of national rights and characteristics

Liberal nationalists ignore the more bleak sides of nationalism

Irrational bonds of tribalism

Power of emotional nationalism which leads people to die for their country for a 'just' reason

Also, not all nation-states pursue political and international harmony

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Conservative Nationalism

Benjamin Disraeli and Otto von Bismarck contended that nationalism led to the maintenance of social order and defended traditional institutions of the state. Conservative nationalism has a tendency to surface in established nation-states. Conservatives care more about social cohesion and public order developed from national patriotism than self-determination.

Society is viewed as organic

Humans are imperfect, and seek security within a national community

The principal goal of the state is to maintain national unity by fostering patriotism and pride of one's country

Incorporating the working class into the nation can be seen as a prevention tool against social revolution

This type of nationalism reflects on the past as an age of glory and triumph

Issues of immigration and supranationalism have sustained this form of nationalism.

The belief that cultural diversity leads to instability and conflict

In order for a society to be stable, there must be shared values and a common culture; immigration, therefore, is heavily restricted

Supranational bodies, such as the European Union, pose threats to cultural and national bonds

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Racial Nationalism

This is when nationalism is based on ethnic identity

It is based on racial superiority and exclusivity; the racial group unifies into a state and therefore can be labelled expansionist

Racial Nationalism is evident in attempts to preserve a race through policies such as banning race mixing and immigration of other races

This strain of nationalism was pushed forwarded by Houston Chamberlain and Arthur de Gobineau and their belief of racial superiority

The argued that racial superiority was a justification for the takeover of inferior nations

Chamberlain believed that the history of people or race was determined by its racial character and abilities. He conceived race in regards to attitudes and abilities instead of physical characteristics

De Gobineau is infamous for developing and advocating the idea of the 'Aryan' master race

Their ideas related not only to Europe, but also to Africa

Many African nations were considered inferior and it was the duty of the Nordic and Germanic races to educate them

Chamberlain and de Gobineau's ideas were taken by the Nazis to promote the concept of an Aryan race

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Expansionist Nationalism

Expansionist nationalism has always been seen as the aggressive side of nationalism, evident in the late 19th century

This relates to the concept of Jingoism:

Can be seen as a form of hyper-patriotism, which pursues aggressive and warlike foreign policy

Also relates to a country's use of force and threats, instead of peaceful relations, to protect what is best in the national interest

Reflects the feeling and belief that your country is the best

Different from liberal nationalism as it is chauvinisitc - this terms is derived from Nicolas Chauvin who was a devoted French soldier to Napoleon

This forwards the idea that some nations possess characteristics or qualities that make them superior to others

National chauvinism develops from a feeling of intense nationalistic enthusiasm

Charles Maurras claimed that this type of nationalism is 'integral nationalism'; individuals and groups identities break down within the 'nation'

The nation is often assisted by militarism

National chauvinism appeals to people who are isolated and powerless as it offers a sense of security and pride

Most other nations or races are portrayed as a threat or enemy to this nationalism

When facing an enemy nation is able to draw together; strong and unified in identity

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Post-Imperial Nationalism

Nationalism can be utilised as a powerful tool when a country is seeking to gain independence

This is because nationalism provides a direct and unified opposition to an imperial power; people are socially united and share a national identity

The aim of this type of nationalism is to ensure that the identities of post-colonial countries are authored by themselves and not by colonial powers

Usually the case is many newly independent states are authoritarian in nature, this is due to the boundaries of the states incorporating many multicultural groups e.g. the dividing up of Africa

This nationalism promotes self-sufficiency within a country and is non-expansionist in nature

In Africa, there was many division along cultural, linguistic and tribal lines

Figures such as Charles Nyerere used dislike and mistrust of former colonial powers as a means to creating some sense of national identity

Charles's father, Julius Nyerere, promoted post-imperial nationalism in Tanzania by advocating for a one-party state

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Socialist Nationalism

Socialist nationalism is normally based upon the principles of:

Social equality

Popular sovereignty

National self-determination

Socialism is used in conjunction with nationalism for a number of things:

It underpins the independence and self-determination of a country

While, distancing a country from formal imperial and capitalist power

Socialism as an ideology creates solidarity, justice and national purpose

Involves political and economic theory regarding social organisation that advocates the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned and regulated by the community as a whole

Charles Nyerere united his distrust of Western nations and left-wing beliefs to develop a strong state provision for health and education. Further, Lenin used this type of nationalism when Russia was invaded by the White Army during the Civil War.