Ethnic nationalism

Definition

Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism in which the nation is defined in terms of a shared ethnic heritage, including common language, culture, and ancestry. This concept emphasizes the importance of ethnicity as the basis for national identity and often seeks to promote the interests of a specific ethnic group, sometimes leading to the exclusion of others. Ethnic nationalism often arises in contexts where groups feel marginalized or oppressed, as they seek to assert their identity and rights within a political framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic nationalism can lead to movements aimed at achieving autonomy or independence for specific ethnic groups, often seen in various independence struggles around the world.
2. It frequently emerges in multi-ethnic states where different groups may compete for power and recognition, leading to tensions and conflicts.
3. Ethnic nationalism can be a response to historical grievances, such as colonialism or oppression, fueling a desire for self-determination and political representation.
4. In some cases, ethnic nationalism has resulted in violent conflicts, as groups strive to defend their identity and secure territorial claims against perceived threats.
5. The rise of ethnic nationalism in recent decades has influenced global politics, contributing to challenges in state-building and fostering divisions within societies.

Review Questions

• How does ethnic nationalism differ from civic nationalism in terms of defining national identity?
  • Ethnic nationalism defines national identity based on shared ethnic characteristics such as language, culture, and ancestry, focusing on the ties that bind a specific group together. In contrast, civic nationalism emphasizes shared citizenship and legal rights regardless of ethnic background, promoting unity through common values and democratic principles. This distinction highlights how ethnic nationalism can create exclusivity while civic nationalism aims for inclusiveness within a nation.
• Discuss the role of self-determination in the context of ethnic nationalism and its implications for political conflict.
  • Self-determination plays a significant role in ethnic nationalism as it asserts the right of ethnic groups to control their own political status and pursue their cultural aspirations. This principle often fuels movements for independence or greater autonomy within multi-ethnic states. However, while advocating for self-determination can empower marginalized groups, it can also lead to political conflict when different groups compete for sovereignty or resources, creating tensions that may escalate into violence.
• Evaluate the impact of ethnic nationalism on state-building efforts in multi-ethnic societies and potential consequences for social cohesion.
  • Ethnic nationalism significantly impacts state-building efforts in multi-ethnic societies by complicating governance and fostering divisions among different groups. When state policies favor one ethnicity over others or fail to address the needs of various communities, it can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement and resentment among minority groups. This dynamic can result in social fragmentation and conflict, undermining efforts toward national unity and stability as competing nationalist sentiments challenge the legitimacy of the central government.

Related terms

Civic Nationalism:

A form of nationalism that emphasizes shared citizenship and values over ethnic or cultural characteristics, focusing on common legal and political rights.

Self-determination: The principle that ethnic groups have the right to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development.

Ethnic Cleansing: The deliberate removal or extermination of an ethnic group from a particular territory, often resulting from extreme forms of ethnic nationalism.