Nationalism is one of the most potent and complex forces in human society. It’s an idea that can build nations from the ground up, forge a common identity among millions, and inspire profound acts of collective will. Yet, it is also a force that can tear societies apart, justify exclusion, and fuel some of the most devastating conflicts in history. In our interconnected, globalized 21st-century world, it’s a concept that many thought would fade. Instead, it seems to be experiencing a powerful resurgence, forcing us to ask the question all over again: is nationalism a positive force for unity or a dangerous cause of conflict?
The term itself often carries heavy baggage, but at its core, it simply refers to an identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests. This can manifest as a deep-seated love for one’s country, a celebration of its culture, language, and history. It’s the glue that creates a “we,” a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself or one’s immediate family. This is where its power for unity lies.
The Bonds of Belonging
At its best, nationalism is a powerful engine for community. It provides a shared narrative, a set of common symbols, and a collective memory that binds people together. This sense of shared identity can be a tremendous source of social cohesion. When a nation faces a crisis, be it a natural disaster or an economic downturn, a shared senseof national purpose can mobilize people to support one another, make sacrifices for the common good, and work together towards recovery.
This positive expression is often called civic nationalism. It defines the nation not by blood or ethnicity, but by a shared commitment to a set of values, laws, and political institutions. In this model, anyone who subscribes to these principles—such as democracy, liberty, and the rule of law—can be a full member of the nation, regardless of their background. This form of nationalism fosters patriotism and pride without necessarily creating an “other” to look down upon. It’s about celebrating a shared way of life and the institutions that protect it.
Preserving Culture and Heritage
Nationalism also plays a vital role in the preservation of cultural diversity. In a world increasingly dominated by global monoculture, a sense of national identity can be a bulwark protecting unique languages, traditions, arts, and customs. It provides the motivation for communities to teach their history to the next generation, to maintain their distinct cultural practices, and to take pride in what makes them different. Without this, the world risks becoming a far less interesting and diverse place. This cultural pride doesn’t have to be aggressive; it can be a simple, joyful celebration of one’s own heritage while respecting the heritage of others.
The Dividing Line: When Unity Becomes Exclusion
The problem arises when nationalism shifts its focus. Instead of defining itself by a set of positive shared values, it begins to define itself by who it excludes. This is the dark side of the coin, a force that has been responsible for immense suffering. When “we” are bound together, it becomes perilously easy to define a “them”—an outside group that is seen as different, inferior, or a threat.
This is the domain of ethnic nationalism, which bases membership in the nation on a shared ancestry, race, or religion. This form is inherently exclusive. If the nation is defined by blood, then those of different blood cannot truly belong. This “us vs. them” mentality is a classic recipe for conflict. It can lead to the marginalization of minority groups within a country, stripping them of rights and casting them as second-class citizens. At its worst, it can be used to justify discrimination, persecution, and even outright violence.
It is critically important to distinguish between patriotism—a love for one’s country and its values—and a nationalism that breeds superiority. When a national identity is built on the idea that one’s own nation is inherently better than others, it often becomes a justification for aggression and intolerance. This exclusive ideology can fragment diverse societies from within and build hostile barriers between neighbors. History is filled with tragic examples where this kind of unchecked fervor led to devastating conflicts.
Nationalism as a Source of Modern Conflict
Many contemporary disputes have nationalism at their core. It can fuel territorial disputes, where two nations lay claim to the same piece of land based on historical narratives or the ethnic makeup of its inhabitants. It can also lead to trade wars and protectionism, where supporting “national interests” means erecting barriers and fostering an economic rivalry that ultimately harms everyone. Internally, it can inflame secessionist movements, where a minority group that feels its distinct national identity is being suppressed seeks to break away and form its own state. These movements, even when peaceful, create deep political instability; when they turn violent, they are catastrophic.
Finding a Place in a Globalized World
For a time, it was widely believed that globalization would spell the end of nationalism. The thinking was that as trade, technology, and travel connected the world more closely, old national allegiances would dissolve into a more cosmopolitan, global identity. This has not happened. In many ways, the opposite has occurred.
Globalization has, for many, felt like a threat. It can be perceived as an outside force that erodes local culture, floods the market with foreign goods, and undermines national sovereignty. In response, many people have clung more tightly to their national identity as a source of stability and meaning in a rapidly changing world. This has fueled a resurgence of nationalistic sentiment in many parts of the globe, often with a populist and anti-globalist flavor.
This presents a central challenge for the 21st century. We live on a planet that faces undeniably global problems—climate change, pandemics, and international economic stability—that require unprecedented international cooperation. These problems cannot be solved by any one nation alone. Yet, the very political force needed to rally domestic support—nationalism—is often a barrier to that same cooperation.
So, where does that leave us?
- The Positive Potential: Nationalism can be a force for good. A confident, secure, and inclusive national identity (civic nationalism) can provide the social cohesion needed to build a successful, functioning society.
- The Dangerous Pitfall: An insecure, aggressive, and exclusive identity (ethnic nationalism) is a clear and present danger. It breeds division, intolerance, and conflict.
Nationalism is not a simple binary of “good” or “bad.” It is a powerful tool. Like any tool, its impact depends entirely on who wields it and for what purpose. It can be used to build a warm, inclusive home, or it can be used as a weapon against one’s neighbors. The challenge for modern societies is to cultivate the former—to foster a sense of pride and belonging that is open, confident, and tolerant. The goal must be to build a world where people can be proud of their own nation without feeling the need to diminish any other.
