What is ethnonationalism: definition, examples from history

In the last two decades, the problem of the growth of "unhealthy" nationalism has become especially acute. The root of this problem is people's ignorance of what nationalism is. The definition of this concept, meanwhile, is not difficult to find on the set of information resources. Nevertheless, it is often misinterpreted, therefore, the term should be properly considered.

The idea of nationalism

Nationalism is an ideology that is based on the concept of a nation and national unity. The basic theses of this direction are the ideas about the nation as the most important element of the state formation and the highest form of society unity. Nationalism, in its essence, is close to patriotism and does not imply non-aggression toward other nations, but love and loyalty to its own nation. Thus, the ideas of nationalism in no way propagate xenophobia, much less violence against anyone, and only call on people to love their people and not to forget about unity, to live and work for the development and prosperity of the nation. Examples of nationalism can be found both in Russia and in other countries. Although nationalist parties rarely become ruling.

Ethnic nationalism or ethnonationalism

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

Examples of ethnic and moderate nationalism

To better understand the difference between ethnic and civil, that is, moderate nationalism, one can consider examples of nationalism on the scale of individuals and an abstract situation. So, a person who has chosen the profession of a doctor and who argues this with a desire to help representatives of his nation be healthy will be considered a nationalist. Moreover, he will be happy to help representatives of other nationalities, since in the future, perhaps, representatives of another nation, healed by him, will warmly respond about him as a doctor and representative of a certain people. This situation is a clear example of moderate nationalism.

If the doctor basically helps only "his own", carelessly treating "outsiders", arguing that he does not want to contact people of another ethnicity, he can be considered an ethnonationalist and a xenophobe. Undoubtedly, such notions as nations and nationalism should not emerge in medical practice, but in real life cases of ethnonationalism among representatives of this and other professions are not uncommon.

Ethnonationalism on a national scale

Unfortunately, ethno-nationalism thrives not only among individuals or their groups. There are situations when whole states are heading for radical ethno-nationalism. As an example, you can put the current government of Ukraine, which encourages radical attitudes of citizens. What is ethnonationalism as the main national idea? This is an ideology that is destructive for the country and the people, which has practically nothing in common with a moderate nationalistic attitude. Xenophobia of the ruling structure hinders the people in all spheres of life - from business and trade to personal issues. People who by the will of destinies turned out to be citizens of the country ruled by ethno-nationalists, in fact, are forced to exist only within their own nation, reducing contacts with other peoples to a minimum. Blending of blood and interethnic marriages can break down life for such people, depriving them of the opportunity to live and work normally within their own country. The most vivid example of the collapse of the ethno-nationalist state in history is the decline of Germany after the defeat in the Second World War. The government, which has moved away from the ideas of moderate nationalism towards ethnicity, has lost the country forever.

Small peoples and their national feelings

Inside almost any country there are national minorities, which for one reason or another can not be isolated. 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 people of the Zaza who live in the east of Turkey. Zaza will never call themselves Turks, although they may not even know their native language, have Turkish names and surnames. Nevertheless, the zaza are proud of their national identity and emphasize it at every opportunity. The nationalism of small nations, however, rarely turns into ethno-nationalism in relation to the national majority, since such sentiments are certainly disastrous for themselves.

The fight against ethno-nationalism

For the prosperity of any state and the preservation of good relations with other countries, the overcoming of ethnonationalism is an important and responsible task. Propaganda of such trends is prohibited by law in most countries. Despite this, ethnic nationalism can not be completely eradicated - the inherent human xenophobia in this or that concentration is present in every person. Only the voice of reason can pacify such thoughts, so enlightenment in this matter plays an important role. That is why the government, taking care of the mental health and moral aspects of the life of citizens, will do everything possible to ensure that every citizen of the country receives a decent education, which includes the foundations of culture and international relations.

Ethnonationalism in Russia

The question of ethnonationalism in Russia is quite acute. What is ethnonationalism for a resident of Russia? This division of the citizens of the country into Russian by nationality and "non-Russian". This is an intolerance to visitors from neighboring republics, such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Moreover, manifestations of "Russian" ethno-nationalism can be found not only in the territory of the Russian Federation, but also beyond its borders, for example, in the resorts of Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt. Unfortunately, it is still impossible to completely eradicate this problem, but both civilians of the Russian Federation and representatives of other countries often refer to such manifestations with humor, which undoubtedly reduces the degree of tension and extinguishes national conflicts.

Ethnonationalism and children

What is ethno-nationalism for children? In essence, education in a radically inclined family is destructive for the child's psyche. Children who by virtue of their age can not yet establish cause-effect relationships, "inherit" from their parents an unjustified fear and aversion to representatives of other races and peoples, that is, ethnic nationalism. The definition of nationalism as a healthy and moderate current in the future is unlikely to be understood by the child who was raised by investing the idea of the superiority of one nation over the others. Such children will find it difficult to adapt in school, to make new acquaintances and to behave properly in society.

Ethno-national education, unfortunately, is not uncommon in many countries and nations. It is worth remembering that xenophobia and ethno-nationalism have nothing to do with healthy nationalism and lead to the death of society and every individual, rather than to growth, development and prosperity.