nationalism
NASH-nuh-liz-um
/ˈnæʃnəlɪzəm/
Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of other nations.
Can represent positive civic unity and self-determination, or aggressive chauvinism that rejects international cooperation.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'natio', meaning a group of people bound by birth or origin. Nationalism emerged as a potent global ideology during the French Revolution, reshaping world maps by dismantling multi-ethnic empires into modern nation-states.
Word relationships
- patriotism: Patriotism is affection for one's country without necessarily asserting superiority over or hostility toward other nations.
- chauvinism: Chauvinism is aggressive and uncritical prejudice in favor of one's own group or country.
- globalism: Globalism prioritizes worldwide economic and political cooperation over national sovereignty.
- cosmopolitanism: Cosmopolitanism views all human beings as members of a single global community.
Commonly confused with
- patriotism: George Orwell noted: patriotism is devotion to a way of life; nationalism is inseparable from the desire for national power.
Word family
- nationalist (noun/adjective): A person who strongly identifies with their nation or advocates for national independence.
- nationalistic (adjective): Having strong, often excessive, national pride.
Collocations
- ethnic nationalism
- civic nationalism
- rising nationalism
- economic nationalism
Idioms & expressions
- flag-waving
- America First / Nation First
Example sentences
- "The European revolutions of 1848 were fueled by a powerful wave of popular nationalism." 19th Century History
- "Economic nationalism often manifests as high import tariffs and protectionist trade laws." Economic Policy
Memory hook
NATION + ISM: believing that your NATION's interests come above everything else. Nation first above all.
When not to use
Do not confuse with gentle civic pride or simple sports fandom, unless tied to sovereign national sovereignty.
Fun facts
- The rise of nationalism in 19th-century Europe transformed music, inspiring composers like Chopin and Sibelius to weave native folk themes into classical symphonies.
Explore more words
chauvinism, bigotry, partisan, exclusivism, partisanship, allegiance
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