nationalism
- Noun:
- A political ideology or doctrine: The belief that nations should act independently rather than collectively to achieve their goals. It emphasizes national sovereignty and self-determination.
- A sentiment or aspiration: The desire for national independence felt by people living under foreign rule or domination.
- A belief in superiority: The doctrine that one's own national culture and interests are superior to those of other nations.
- Patriotic devotion: Love for one's country and a willingness to sacrifice for it; a sense of national pride.
- Noun:
- The rise of nationalism in the 19th century led to the unification of many states. (Here, 'nationalism' refers to the political ideology driving national unification.)
- The colonialism fueled strong feelings of nationalism among the oppressed population. (In this context, 'nationalism' denotes the aspiration for independence.)
- His rhetoric was criticized for crossing the line from patriotism into aggressive nationalism. (This example contrasts patriotic love with a belief in national superiority.)
- They were motivated by a deep sense of nationalism to defend their homeland. (This use equates 'nationalism' with patriotic devotion and sacrifice.)
"Economic nationalism": Policies that prioritize a country's domestic industries and economic interests, often through protectionist measures like tariffs.
- The government's economic nationalism focused on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the country.
"Cultural nationalism": A movement focused on reviving or promoting a nation's unique cultural identity, language, and traditions.
- The festival was an expression of cultural nationalism, celebrating ancient folk songs and dances.
Nationalist (noun/adjective): A person who advocates for or strongly supports nationalism. As an adjective, it describes something related to nationalism.
- She was a fervent nationalist who campaigned for independence. (noun)
- The party adopted a nationalist agenda. (adjective)
Nationalistic (adjective): Having or showing strong feelings of nationalism; often used to describe attitudes that are excessively patriotic or chauvinistic.
- His speeches became increasingly nationalistic in tone.
- Patriotism: Love for and devotion to one's country. (Often used interchangeably with 'nationalism', though 'patriotism' typically lacks the connotation of superiority or independent political action.)
- Chauvinism: Exaggerated or aggressive patriotism; belief in the superiority of one's own group.
- Jingoism: Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.
"Rise of nationalism": A common phrase describing the growing influence or popularity of nationalist ideas.
- The economic crisis contributed to the rise of nationalism across the continent.
"Wave of nationalism": A period when nationalist feelings become widespread and powerful.
- The team's victory sparked a wave of nationalism throughout the country.
The meaning of 'nationalism' exists on a spectrum. It can be a positive force for liberation and self-determination (as in anti-colonial movements) or a negative force associated with xenophobia, aggression, and the belief in national superiority (as in extreme or expansionist forms). The context in which it is used is crucial for understanding its specific connotation.
- the doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals
- the aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination
- the doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other
- love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
- they rode the same wave of popular patriotism
- British nationalism was in the air and patriotic sentiments ran high