Nationalism is inherently aggressive and expansionist. Discuss
Nationalism is a political ideology based on the principle that a group of people bound by common values (a nation), have the right to form a state. Because it is a doctrine as opposed to an ideology, nationalism is compatible with various opposing political beliefs. This means that there are many forms of nationalism based on both how to define a nation, and the ideas of different political ideologies. In this essay I will discuss whether each of these are inherently aggressive and expansionist.
Firstly, a nation can be defined by ethnicity and culture. This is the belief behind ethno-cultural nationalism. Ethno-cultural nationalism gives a very crude and simplistic definition of a nation, as it is based on eugenic characteristics and culture. This makes it exclusive, intolerant and backward-looking. An example of an ethno-cultural nation is the Tutsi and Hutu tribes in Rwanda, which are both defined by ethnicity. Although ethno-cultural nationalism can cause conflict due to its highly exclusive nature, I do not think that it is inherently aggressive. Nor is it expansionist.
Civic nationalism is often described as the opposite of ethno -cultural nationalism. It is far more inclusive, tolerant and forward -looking. People can easily become part of a nation by taking a test or simply following the practices of the nation. Civic nationalism is also known as 'state centred' nationalism as it often attempts to unite the nation behind the state's political or economic aims. The inclusive nature of civic nationalism means that it is not inherently aggressive or expansionist.
As I mentioned in the introduction, there are forms of nationalism which are influenced by political ideologies. One example is Liberal nationalism, which views nations as 'moral entities' which unite different communities. It has a