In recent decades, nationalism has resurfaced with renewed vigor in political movements, public discourse, and international conflicts. While many view it as a natural expression of cultural pride or political autonomy, critical perspectives challenge the legitimacy of nationalism as a social or moral foundation. The idea of the nation-state, often taken for granted, deserves scrutiny for the assumptions it carries and the exclusions it enforces. Exploring the illegitimacy of nationalism offers an opportunity to reconsider how societies define belonging, authority, and identity.
Understanding the Roots of Nationalism
Historical Background
Nationalism as an ideology gained prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries alongside the decline of monarchies and the rise of democratic institutions. The French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the unification of Germany and Italy were key moments where the idea of nationhood took on political weight. During this era, nations were imagined as communities bound by common language, heritage, or culture.
The Role of Colonialism and Empire
However, the expansion of European empires also revealed the darker dimensions of nationalism. National identity was often constructed in opposition to the ‘other,’ reinforcing hierarchies of race, class, and civilization. In many cases, nationalism justified colonial rule by claiming the superiority of one nation over another. These practices embedded exclusionary and violent tendencies within nationalist ideologies that persist today.
Problems with the Concept of the Nation
Arbitrary Boundaries
The borders that define nations are rarely natural. Instead, they are the result of war, negotiation, and colonial legacy. The idea that people within these boundaries share a unified identity is more of a political tool than a social truth. Countless examples from Africa to the Middle East show how national borders divide ethnic groups, force rival communities together, and fail to reflect cultural realities.
Imagined Communities
Political theorist Benedict Anderson described nations as imagined communities. This means that citizens may never meet or share daily life, yet are taught to feel a deep sense of loyalty. This artificial connection is maintained through national symbols, myths, and media. While it can foster solidarity, it also creates in-groups and out-groups, often breeding hostility and xenophobia.
The Moral Illegitimacy of Nationalism
Exclusion and Inequality
One of the core problems with nationalism is its tendency to define who belongs and who does not. Immigration debates, citizenship laws, and nationalist rhetoric frequently draw lines between real citizens and outsiders. These distinctions often lead to discrimination, marginalization, and violence. People who do not conform to the dominant national narrative due to race, religion, language, or migration status are cast as threats or inferiors.
Instrument of Oppression
Throughout history, nationalism has been exploited by authoritarian regimes and populist leaders to consolidate power. By appealing to national pride, such leaders suppress dissent, curtail civil liberties, and justify aggression. In Nazi Germany, Serbian nationalism during the Yugoslav Wars, or more recently in some far-right movements in Europe and the United States, nationalism has served to inflame hatred and suppress minorities.
Moral Arbitrariness
From a moral standpoint, it is hard to justify prioritizing people simply because they share a nationality. Ethical principles suggest that all humans have equal value, yet nationalism implies that the lives and welfare of compatriots are inherently more important than those of foreigners. This runs counter to universal values of justice, equality, and human rights.
Economic and Political Consequences
Isolation and Protectionism
Nationalist ideologies often manifest in economic protectionism, where governments restrict trade, limit immigration, or withdraw from international agreements. While sometimes politically popular, these policies often harm global cooperation and economic efficiency. They can lead to trade wars, diplomatic tensions, and reduced innovation.
Weakening Global Solidarity
In facing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and mass displacement, nationalism becomes a barrier rather than a solution. It promotes competition over cooperation and erodes the sense of shared responsibility. A nationalist mindset may prioritize domestic concerns, even when international collaboration is essential for long-term well-being.
Challenging Nationalist Narratives
Alternative Models of Identity
Rejecting nationalism does not mean rejecting culture or community. Rather, it invites us to build identities based on values, ethics, and shared humanity rather than arbitrary borders. Cosmopolitanism, for example, emphasizes global citizenship and interconnectedness. Pluralism encourages multiple identities regional, cultural, ethical to coexist without rigid national definitions.
Building Inclusive Societies
Societies can thrive without exclusive nationalist frameworks. By recognizing the contributions of migrants, respecting minority rights, and celebrating diverse histories, communities become stronger and more resilient. Education, public policy, and media can play a vital role in promoting inclusive narratives over divisive nationalist myths.
Critiques and Counterarguments
Defenders of Nationalism
Some argue that nationalism is essential for unity, social cohesion, and democratic engagement. They point out that shared identity can foster civic participation and motivate people to support public goods. National pride, in this view, is not inherently harmful it depends on how it is expressed.
Moderate vs. Extreme Nationalism
It is important to distinguish between inclusive, civic nationalism and its more exclusionary forms. Civic nationalism focuses on shared values and legal institutions rather than ethnicity or race. However, even civic nationalism can fall short if it suppresses alternative identities or enforces conformity.
While nationalism may appeal to our sense of belonging and pride, it often rests on flawed foundations historically, morally, and politically. Its tendency to exclude, divide, and prioritize some lives over others undermines the ideals of justice and equality. As global citizens, we must critically evaluate the frameworks we inherit and imagine new ways to organize communities that transcend narrow national interests. By moving beyond nationalism, we open the door to a world grounded in empathy, cooperation, and shared human dignity.