FACT SHEET
Ethnonationalism denotes the desire of an ethnic community to have absolute authority over its own political, economic, and social affairs.
History
Ethnonationalism envisions the boundaries of the nation state as drawn on the basis of membership of an particular group, rather than by citizenship. Marginalised populations reassert ethnic, tribal and racial identities in response to a liberal internationalism that they do not believe meets their material or social needs. Particularly, groups form around a heritage, culture and history, and may imagine a common ancestry. In reality, very few states are composed of a single ethnic group: even 50 years ago, fewer then ten of the extant states could be considered ethnostates, with most being a mixture of different groups. In particular, the unity of nation states which were formed through colonialism may be fragile, since these often drew together various groups under an imperial yoke, or welded together by a ‘strongman’ leader using military and security tactics to repress fragmentation. Ethnic groups who have suffered discrimination as minorities may identify their interests as best served by self-governance. Competing ethnic groups have led to devastating conflicts in recent history, such as in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda, in which out-group members were massacred brutally.
Ideology
Ethnonationalist movements express the perception among members of a particular ethnic group that the group’s interests are not being served under the present political arrangements. Nation states might find themselves feel marginalised with a globalising world order which increases inequality, leaving many people feeling ‘left behind.’ Ethnonationalist movements often identify the ruling elite as responsible for their predicament, and as being out of touch with the populace. This is particularly powerful if their sense of injustice is underscored by illiberal responses to ethnocentric activism.
In an age when identity politics are particularly salient, ethno-nationalism taps into the history, myths and symbols of the nation state and the idea of a shared, homogenous culture. Ethnonationalist movements are not necessarily conservative in nature: Irish nationalists have been fervent supporters of women’s reproductive rights, for instance. Nevertheless, many more movements cleave to traditional values as part of their appeal to authenticity.
Impact
Ethnonationalist movements are increasingly influential as the populace feel alienated by the state, and closer to primary identities, such as ethnicity. While ethnonationalist movements may have a democratic electoral system they do not embody the full principles of liberal or civic democracy – they may simply be majoritarian, rather than representative of the people. Unlike ethnonationalism, civic or liberal nationalism is based in the values of equality, inclusion, and secularism, and allows for the incorporation of new populations. Contemporary ethnonationalist politics are often linked with xenophobia, due to situating persons from a particular group as the true citizens, relegating out-group members to a secondary status. This can lead to oppression and discrimination against minority populations, who may be positioned as scapegoats, blamed for failures of the state.
In Western countries, this is often linked to hostility to Muslims and Islam, sentiments which are easily leveraged by populist leaders.