Is Nationalism a Distinct Ideology?

Abstract

Whether or not nationalism is an ideology is a question that can be illuminated by a study of its conceptual structure. Core and adjacent concepts of nationalism are examined within the context of liberal, conservative and fascist ideologies, contexts that respectively encourage particular ideational paths within nationalist argument, while discouraging others. Employing a morphological analysis of ideological configurations, it is argued that various nationalisms may appear as distinct thin-centred ideologies, but are more readily understood as embellishments of, and sustainers of, the features of their host ideologies.

Women on the frontline

“…The frequency with which nationalist agendas overlap and interact with other, more coherent ideologies represents an additional challenge. Specifically, other ideologies tend to sublimate nationalism when groups combine them (Freeden, 1998). Thus, where groups with nationalist agendas do adopt positions on these issues, the impetus for doing so often originates from some other ideological tradition.…”

Populistinės ideologijos partijos Baltijos šalyse 2011–2012 m.

“…Tokios ideologijos paprastai egzistuoja santykyje su kitomis ideologijomis -perima ar kritikuoja tam tikrus jų idėjinius pagrindus 19 . Klasikinis tokios siauros ideologijos pavyzdys gali būti nacionalizmas 20 . Priešingai nei pìlnos ideologijos, pavyzdžiui, socializmas ar liberalizmas, nacionalizmas nesugeba pateikti atsakymų į esminius politinius klausimus, tokius kaip konfliktų sprendimas, išteklių perskirstymas ar socialinis teisingumas, ir susitelkia vien ties tautos apsisprendimo teisėmis ir jų įgyvendinimu.…”

Untitled

“…Låt mig förtydliga. Enligt Freeden (1998) handlar nationalism om att känna stolthet och trygghet i att tillhöra en nationell gemenskap. Medborgarna i en nationalstat kan känna stolthet i att välkomna nya invånare med en öppen famn, att vi som folk skulle vara särskilt toleranta och gästvänliga (jfr Blehr 2000, s. 62).…”