6: Nationalism
- Page ID
- 290178
This page is a draft and is under active development.
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The Latin term natio, Elie Kedourie reminds us, originally referred to “a group of men belonging together by similarity of birth, larger than a family, but smaller than a clan or a people [and] applied particularly to a community of foreigners” passing through a city or a village (Kedourie, 1961, p. 13). Over the centuries, the term eventually took on different meanings. Eric Hobsbawm asserts that it was only after the French Revolution in the 18th century that the concept acquired its current denotation, that of referring to “the people” in a positive way. This is when French citizenship became the principle of nationality, denoting individual rights and allowing an individual to declare a sense of belonging to a specific nation. Nowadays, the term “nation” most commonly refers to the people living within a political entity such as a state—a term not to be confused with that of a nation—whereas the term nationalism, as will be discussed, refers to the ideology of this form of communal belonging.
This chapter offers an overview of the field of nationalism studies. First, we will present the major theories of the field regarding the sociohistorical advent of nations and nationalism as well as its focus on meso and microsociological processes. Second, we will discuss the different types of nationalism and the main debating points of the field. Third, we will focus on the principal waves of nationalist movement observed between the 19th and the 21st century.
This text presents a comprehensive academic overview of nationalism, defining it as the drive to align political borders with cultural identities. It examines prominent modernist theories, such as those by Gellner and Anderson, which link the rise of nations to industrialization and print capitalism, alongside ethnosymbolic perspectives that emphasize pre-modern ethnic roots. Beyond historical origins, the sources explore "banal nationalism," or the subtle ways daily routines and symbols reinforce national belonging. Different categories are analyzed, including the classic civic versus ethnic divide, as well as contemporary forms like diaspora, homeland, and national populism. The material also traces historical waves of state-building from the French Revolution to modern independence movements, using the case of Quebec to illustrate these dynamics. Ultimately, the text characterizes nationalism as a highly adaptable ideology that remains a primary force in global politics and personal identity.
- Compare and contrast modernist and ethnosymbolic theories of nationalism, identifying how factors like industrialization, "print capitalism," and "ethnic cores" contribute to the formation of nations.
- Differentiate between various typologies of nationalism, moving from the classic civic-ethnic divide to contemporary categories such as homogenizing, state-seeking, homeland, and diaspora nationalism.
- Explain the concept of "banal nationalism" and analyze how everyday symbols—such as "unwaved flags"—and daily routines reinforce national belonging and social reproduction.
- Analyze the historical evolution of nationalism through its major waves, from the French Revolution and the 1848 "Spring of the People" to the post-Cold War era and the modern rise of national populism.
- Evaluate the case study of Quebec to illustrate the dynamics of state-seeking nationalism and how political movements can successfully transform a group’s collective identity.
- 6.1: Modernist and Ethnosymbolic Theories
- This section explores the origins of nations through two main academic lenses. Modernist theorists like Ernest Gellner and Benedict Anderson argue that nations are products of industrialization and "print capitalism," which necessitated standardized languages and mass education to create unified, "imagined communities". In contrast, ethnosymbolists like Anthony D. Smith contend that while nations are modern, they are built upon pre-existing "ethnic cores"—shared myths, symbols, and memories.
- 6.2: Shifting Focus From Sociohistorical and Macro-Sociological Perspectives to Meso and Microsociological Analyses
- Moving beyond macro-history, this section examines how nationalism functions in daily life. It introduces Michael Billig’s concept of "banal nationalism," which describes how everyday, often unnoticed symbols (like "unwaved flags") and routines unconsciously reinforce national identity. Rogers Brubaker further contributes to this shift by suggesting we view nationhood as a "category of practice"—a perspective through which people see the world—rather than just a fixed group.
- 6.3: The Ethnic-Civic Opposition and Its Limitations
- This section details the classic distinction between civic nationalism (based on shared political values and equality before the law) and ethnic nationalism (based on shared language, culture, and heritage). While this divide is a common analytical tool, the sources note its limitations, as even "civic" institutions are rarely culturally neutral, and states often shift between these types over time.
- 6.4: Contemporary Typologies
- To better reflect modern complexities, researchers have developed new categories of nationalism. These include homogenizing nationalism (state-led integration), state-seeking nationalism (groups desiring their own sovereign state), homeland nationalism (states intervening for ethnic kin in neighboring countries), diaspora nationalism (practices of those living outside their perceived homeland), and national populism (right-wing movements that pit "the people" against "elites" and "foreigners").
- 6.5: Types of Nationalism - The Case of Quebec
- Quebec serves as a case study for state-seeking nationalism. The section traces its evolution from the 19th-century patriotes to the 20th-century Révolution tranquille and the sovereignty referendums of 1980 and 1995 . Although these movements did not result in an independent state, they successfully transformed the collective identity of the population from "French Canadians" to "Quebecers".
- 6.6: Nationalism in Time and Space
- Nationalism is reviewed through several historical waves, starting with the French and American Revolutions. Subsequent waves include the 1848 "Spring of the People," late 19th-century state unifications (e.g., Germany and Italy), post-WWI imperial fragmentation, 1960s decolonization, and the post-Cold War era. The current wave is defined by the rise of national populism, which offers "ontological security" and simple answers in an increasingly chaotic world.
- 6.7: Conclusion
- The chapter concludes by highlighting nationalism as an undeniably successful and malleable modern ideology that has spread across the globe. Despite frequent predictions of its decline, nationalism continues to resonate during times of crisis, serving as a powerful force that links an "ambiguous past" to visions of a "better future".
- 6.8: Glossary
- Offers a comprehensive overview of nationalism, discussing its various forms, including banal, civic, cultural, and ethnic nationalism, as well as diaspora nationalism and ethnosymbolism. It examines the relationship between nations and modernity through modernism and introduces the concept of imagined communities. Key ideas include the nation-state, political nationalism, and the duality of national symbols, highlighting the multifaceted nature of nationalism.
- 6.9: References
- Provides a compilation of significant works on nationalism, featuring diverse scholarly perspectives from authors like Benedict Anderson and Ernest Gellner. It covers themes such as ethnic identity, cultural nationalism, and nationalism's evolution, contributing to a deeper understanding of its historical, social, and political dimensions. This exploration reveals the influence of nationalism on contemporary societal challenges and discourses.
- 6.10: Discussion Questions
- Explores the complex relationship between modernity and tradition in nationalism, debating the construction of national identities and the role of banal nationalism in fostering belonging. It critiques civic nationalism for possibly concealing cultural dominance and examines the dual axes of identity in national populism.
Thumbnail: The Rise of Modern Day Nationalism by Tom Page is licensed CC BY-SA 2.0
Attribution
Frédérick Guillaume Dufour and Dave Poitras, "Nationalism: A Modern Ideology Summoning an Eternal Past" CC BY-NC 4.0