What is ethno-nationalism: definition, examples from history

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

In the last two decades, the problem of the growth of "unhe althy" nationalism has become particularly acute. The root of this problem is people's ignorance of what nationalism is. The definition of this concept, meanwhile, is easy to find on a variety of information resources. However, it is often misunderstood, so the term should be given due consideration.

The idea of nationalism

Nationalism is an ideology based on the concept of nation and national unity. The fundamental theses of this direction are the ideas about the nation as the most important element in the formation of the state and the highest form of the unity of society. Nationalism, in its essence, is close to patriotism and does not imply non-aggression towards other nations, but love and loy alty to one's nation. Thus, the ideas of nationalism in no way promote xenophobia, and even more so violence against anyone, and only call on people to love their people and not forget about unity, to live and work for the benefit of the development and prosperity of the nation. Examples of nationalism can be found both in Russia and in other countries. Although nationalist parties rarely becomeruling.

Ethnic nationalism or ethno-nationalism

Both in the media and in everyday life, the word "nationalism" often means ethno-nationalism, Nazism and xenophobia. A person who does not know the difference between these concepts and is not sure what ethno-nationalism is, most likely, will mix all the concepts into one. However, there is a significant difference between ethnic and moderate nationalism - ethnonationalism focuses on the superiority of one nation over the others. Supporters of this trend partly oppose themselves to moderate nationalists, arguing that every nation has a so-called ethnic core, a common "blood". Assimilation with other nationalities, as well as mixing blood with representatives of other races and nations, is considered unacceptable and highly condemned.

Examples of ethnic and moderate nationalism

To make it easier to understand the difference between ethnic and civic, that is, moderate nationalism, we can consider examples of nationalism on the scale of individuals and an abstract situation. Thus, a person who chooses the profession of a doctor and argues this with a desire to help the representatives of his nation to be he althy will be considered a nationalist. At the same time, he will be happy to help representatives of other nationalities, since in the future, perhaps, the representatives of another nation healed by him will warmly speak of him as a doctor and a representative of a certain people. This situation is a clear example of moderate nationalism.

If a doctor fundamentally helps only "his own", carelessly treating "outsiders", arguing that he does not want to contact people of a different ethnicity, he can be considered an ethno-nationalist and xenophobe. Of course, such concepts as nations and nationalism should not come up in the medical profession, but in real life, cases of ethno-nationalism among representatives of both this and other professions are not at all uncommon.

Ethno-nationalism across the state

Unfortunately, ethno-nationalism flourishes not only among individuals or their groups. There are situations when entire states head for radical ethno-nationalism. An example is the current government of Ukraine, which encourages the radical moods of citizens. What is ethnonationalism as the main national idea? This is an ideology that is destructive for the country and the people, and has practically nothing in common with a moderate nationalist attitude. The xenophobia of the ruling structure interferes with the people in all spheres of life - from business and trade to personal issues. People who, by the will of fate, turned out to be citizens of a country ruled by ethno-nationalists, in fact, are forced to exist only within their own nation, reducing contacts with other peoples to a minimum. Mixing blood and interethnic marriages can break the lives of such people, depriving them of the opportunity to live and work normally within their country. The most striking example of the collapse of an ethno-nationalist state in history is the decline of Germany after the defeat in World War II. The government, which has gone from the ideas of moderate nationalism towards ethnic, has lost the country forever.

Small nations and their national feelings

Within almost any country there are national minorities that, for one reason or another, cannot separate themselves. Nevertheless, such peoples also have their own nationalist communities. The basis for the existence of such nationalities is precisely nationalism. An example is the small Zaza people living in eastern Turkey. The Zazas will never call themselves Turks, although they may not know their native language and have Turkish names and surnames. Nevertheless, the Zaza are proud of their national identity and emphasize it at every opportunity. The nationalism of small peoples, however, rarely turns into ethno-nationalism in relation to the national majority, since such sentiments are, of course, destructive for themselves.

Fight against ethno-nationalism

For the prosperity of any state and maintaining good relations with other countries, overcoming ethno-nationalism is an important and responsible task. Propaganda of such movements is prohibited by law in most countries. Despite this, it is impossible to completely eradicate ethnic nationalism - innate human xenophobia in one concentration or another exists in every person. Only the voice of reason can pacify such thoughts, so education in this matter plays an important role. That is why a government that cares about mental he alth and moralaspect of the life of citizens, will do everything possible to ensure that every resident of the country receives a decent education, which includes the basics of culture and international relations.

Ethnonationalism in Russia

The issue of ethno-nationalism in Russia is quite acute. What is ethno-nationalism for a resident of Russia? This is the division of the country's citizens into Russians by nationality and "non-Russians". This is intolerance towards visitors from neighboring republics such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Moreover, manifestations of "Russian" ethno-nationalism can be found not only on the territory of the Russian Federation, but also abroad, for example, in the resorts of Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt. Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible to completely eradicate this problem, however, both civilians of the Russian Federation and representatives of other countries often treat such manifestations with humor, which, of course, reduces the degree of tension and extinguishes national conflicts.

Ethnonationalism and children

What is ethno-nationalism for children? In essence, being brought up in a radical family is destructive to the child's psyche. Children who, due to their age, cannot yet establish causal relationships, "inherit" from their parents an unreasoned fear and disgust for representatives of other races and peoples, that is, ethnic nationalism. The definition of nationalism as a he althy and moderate trend in the future is unlikely to be clear to a child who was raised with the idea of the superiority of one nation over the rest. These kids will have a hard time.adapt at school, make new friends and behave in society.

Ethno-nationalistic education, unfortunately, is not uncommon in many countries and peoples. It is worth remembering that xenophobia and ethno-nationalism have nothing to do with he althy nationalism and lead to the death of society and each individual, and not to growth, development and prosperity.