Nationalism can be both positive and destructive. The principles of nationalism boil down to the rise of one nation over another, confrontation with other nations, and the pursuit of state isolation.
The concept and basic principles of nationalism
Nationalism is an ideological and political direction, which is based on the principle of value, unity and primacy of the nation in the process of formation and development of the state. Nationalism emerged in the early 18th century during the revolutions in France and America. Today this movement is one of the most popular ideologies around the world, which has found many followers.
The fundamental principles of the ideology of nationalism are politics based on the exclusivity and superiority of their nation, recognition of the primacy of nationality in social development, confrontation of the interests of one nationality with others, chauvinism, the desire for isolation, independence and the creation of a national state without admixture of other nations.
Is nationalism a threat?
It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. Nationalism can be beneficial and harmful to the state, depending on what goals this state pursues. As we know from history, a society inspired by an idea develops much faster. Nationalism, for the most part, is an idea, moreover, an idea that should please many, those who are not alien to patriotic feelings and love for their homeland. This is a great opportunity to bring together completely different people, finding something in common with them and cultivating it. However, to maintain such a cohesive state and national spirit, an outside threat is needed. In the absence of an external enemy, cohesion fades into the background, giving way to more mundane goals and problems, and society is divided into smaller groups on grounds and interests other than national ones.
Nationalism manifests itself well in ethnically and nationally integral states. In a multiethnic state, when promoting nationalism, it can take on more severe forms, such as Nazism and racism. Nationalism cannot be called a direct political threat, however, adjacent, tougher currents, with serious propaganda, can lead to chaos and a state crisis. It can be said unambiguously that radical nationalism has nothing to do with true patriotic values. Taking this form, it can carry quite a lot of threats, and not only of a political nature. Radical nationalism breeds hatred and can lead to dire consequences in the form of war.
