Ethnic nationalism

Definition

Ethnic nationalism is a form of nationalism where the nation is defined in terms of a shared ethnicity, culture, language, or ancestry. This concept emphasizes the belief that people belonging to the same ethnic group should have their own nation or political state, often leading to the exclusion of those who do not share the same ethnic identity. It can intensify feelings of solidarity among members of an ethnic group but can also spark conflicts and tensions when these groups seek dominance or independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethnic nationalism can lead to the rise of separatist movements where minority groups demand autonomy or independence from a larger state.
2. In many cases, ethnic nationalism has been linked to violent conflicts, particularly in regions where multiple ethnic groups coexist but have historical grievances against one another.
3. The impact of ethnic nationalism can extend beyond national borders, influencing international relations and leading to refugee crises as people flee conflict zones.
4. Ethnic nationalist sentiments can be manipulated by political leaders to consolidate power or distract from economic issues by creating a common enemy out of other ethnic groups.
5. The rise of ethnic nationalism in various regions has posed challenges to global stability, as nations grapple with how to accommodate diverse populations while maintaining national unity.

Review Questions

• How does ethnic nationalism differ from civic nationalism in terms of defining the concept of a nation?
  • Ethnic nationalism differs from civic nationalism in that it defines the nation primarily through shared ethnicity, culture, or ancestry, while civic nationalism focuses on shared citizenship and political principles regardless of ethnic background. Ethnic nationalism tends to prioritize ethnic identity and may exclude those who do not share that identity, leading to potential conflicts. Civic nationalism promotes inclusivity by emphasizing common values and democratic principles that unite diverse individuals within a political community.
• What role does ethnic nationalism play in fueling conflicts within multi-ethnic states, and how might this impact global stability?
  • Ethnic nationalism can significantly fuel conflicts within multi-ethnic states by fostering division and hostility among different groups. When one ethnic group asserts its dominance or seeks independence based on nationalist sentiments, it can lead to tensions and violence against other groups. These internal conflicts often spill over borders and destabilize regions, creating humanitarian crises and challenging international relations as neighboring countries may intervene or take sides based on ethnic affiliations.
• Evaluate the effects of rising ethnic nationalism on international relations and global governance in today's world.
  • Rising ethnic nationalism has complex effects on international relations and global governance. It can lead to increased polarization between nations as states adopt protectionist policies in response to nationalist sentiments within their populations. Furthermore, this trend can undermine multilateral cooperation aimed at addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and security threats. The emergence of ethnic nationalist movements can also contribute to instability in regions with diverse populations, complicating diplomatic efforts and humanitarian responses as countries navigate the delicate balance between respecting self-determination and preventing conflict.

Related terms

Civic Nationalism: A form of nationalism that defines the nation based on shared citizenship, values, and political principles rather than ethnicity or culture.

Secession: The act of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, particularly when an ethnic group seeks to create its own independent state.

Ethnic Cleansing: The systematic removal or extermination of an ethnic group from a territory, often driven by ethnic nationalist ideologies.