Nationalism is one of the most influential ideological movements. Its key principle is the thesis about the value of the nation as the highest form of public association.
Classical nationalism and its principles
The term nationalism is predominantly negative. This is facilitated by the media, in which nationalism is understood as its extreme forms. In particular, ethno-nationalism with its extreme forms - fascism, chauvinism, xenophobia, etc. These trends emphasize that one nationality has superiority over another and are essentially anti-human.
The key values of nationalism are loyalty and devotion to their nation, patriotism, political and economic independence. As a political movement, it aims to defend the interests of the nation in relations with the state. At the same time, supporters of traditional nationalism condemn intolerance towards other nations. On the contrary, ideology advocates the unification of various sectors of society.
The basic principles of nationalism also include the right of nations to self-determination; the right of nations to participate in the political process; national self-identification; nation as the highest value.
Nationalism is a relatively new ideology, it only emerged in the 18th century. Its specificity lies in the fact that it does not have outstanding ideologues and thinkers who would set out its principles in a laconic form. But despite this, he had an extremely important impact on social and political life. Some of his ideas were embodied in liberalism, conservatism, socialism.
Classical nationalism emerged as a form of protest against national oppression and lawlessness. He contributed to the liberation from colonialism, various forms of discrimination and the creation of an independent national state. In particular, thanks to the spread of nationalism, dozens of independent states were created in the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. National democratic ideology has become widespread in the countries of the post-Soviet space. Thanks to her, Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, etc. were formed.
Radical forms of nationalism
But nationalism is not always positive. History knows cases when it acquired a destructive character. At the same time, its ideological content was supplemented by the opposition of nations, the formation of a sense of superiority of one nation over others, the recognition of the exclusivity of one nation and the desire to ensure its privileges at the expense of others.
The ideology of fascism emerged in Italy in the 1920s and 1930s. 20th century. Most consistently, it was introduced into life in Nazi Germany. Then the main goal of fascism was to establish the rule of the highest Aryan race. The most important postulates of fascism are the recognition of the nation as the highest community based on kinship; division of all nations into higher and lower. At the same time, the German Nazi was recognized as Aryan and exclusive, and the inferior peoples were subject to extermination.
Although fascism was condemned by the UN decision, attempts to rehabilitate it do not stop. Today neo-fascist organizations operate in many countries of the world, in particular, in the countries of the post-Soviet space, in which fascism inflicted serious damage (in Russia, Ukraine).
The mild version of nationalism is chauvinism. It is characteristic of great states that pursue an aggressive policy to expand their territories. The defining features of this ideology are the recognition of the exclusiveness of one's own nation, justification of one's actions by the noble goals of democratization, etc. Chauvinism has its own methods and means, which have exceptional features depending on the type (English chauvinism, Russian chauvinism).
