Definition of NATIONALISMS (original) (raw)
1
: an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups
At root, nationalism is an ideology of group rights that denigrates individualism in favor of an abstraction called "the nation." Its foundational principle is that government exists primarily to protect the culture and interests of the nation, or its dominant group. This implies that government can use its authority to protect the national culture against potential dangers—including other domestic groups and the potential spread of their cultures. To promote the dominant group, government must have the power to act assertively on its behalf, which necessarily means constraining others.—
Alex Nowrasteh and Ilya Somin
… their popular premier, who has abandoned calls for independence—and instead has embraced a nationalism based on French Québécois identity. "It's a conservative nationalism that recalls the themes of culture, history and memory," said Jacques Beauchemin, a sociologist and a leading intellectual behind this shift. "It's a return to the meaning of identity."—Norimitsu Onishi
see also [economic nationalism](/dictionary/economic nationalism)
2
: support for and promotion of the political independence or self-determination of a nation or people
3
: a nationalist movement or government
… all nationalisms have their founding fathers, their basic, quasi-religious texts, their rhetoric of belonging, their historical and geographical landmarks, their official enemies and heroes. … In time, successful nationalisms arrogate truth exclusively to themselves and assign falsehood and inferiority to outsiders.—Edward W. Said
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?
Nationalism and patriotism are similar insofar as both words emphasize strong feelings for one’s country. However, the two words are not synonymous. Nationalism, while it refers to loyalty and devotion to a nation, tends to imply the placing of that nation above others, a tendency that is not necessarily implicit in patriotism.
Is nationalism a proper noun?
Proper noun is defined as "a noun that designates a particular being or thing, does not take a limiting modifier, and is usually capitalized in English." Nationalism does not meet these criteria, and therefore is not a proper noun.
What is difference between nationalism and jingoism?
Nationalism and jingoism are closely related, as both words refer to an exaltation of one’s own nation and feelings of cultural superiority. However, jingoism, unlike nationalism, always implies military aggressiveness.
Synonyms
Examples of nationalism in a Sentence
The war was caused by nationalism and greed. Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
His belief in merging Islam with Western values and Turkish nationalism struck a chord with Turks, earning him millions of followers. —Michael Rubinkam, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 There has recently been growing attention to the rise of Christian nationalism, the belief that the United States is or should be a Christian nation. —Kristina M. Lee, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024 Iran’s leaders know well that even Iranians who oppose their regime have a historical sense of nationalism, which tends to drive support for military actions taken at times of crisis and external threats. —Carol E. B. Choksy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2024 Christian nationalism is a movement that fuses American and Christian values, symbols and identity and seeks to privilege Christianity in public life. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nationalism 
Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of nationalism was in 1798
Dictionary Entries Near nationalism
Cite this Entry
“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationalism. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences
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