10.6 Nationalism and Populism
Two of the most influential—and often misunderstood—political ideas in the modern world are nationalism and populism.
Although the two sometimes overlap, they are distinct concepts that answer different political questions.
Nationalism focuses on the relationship between people and the nation.
Populism focuses on the relationship between ordinary citizens and political elites.
Nationalism
Nationalism is the belief that people who share a common identity, culture, history, language, or sense of belonging should form a political community and exercise control over their own affairs.
Nationalism became a powerful force during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Nationalist movements helped unify countries such as Germany and Italy, while also inspiring independence movements in regions seeking freedom from imperial rule.
Nationalism can take many forms. Some versions emphasize shared citizenship and political values. Others place greater emphasis on ethnicity, language, religion, or cultural heritage.
Supporters often argue that nationalism promotes unity, self-determination, and loyalty to the broader community. Critics argue that extreme forms of nationalism can encourage exclusion, hostility toward outsiders, or conflict between nations.
Populism
Populism is a political approach that portrays society as divided between “ordinary people” and a powerful elite.
Populists often argue that political leaders, wealthy interests, major institutions, or other elites have become disconnected from the needs and concerns of the general population. As a result, populist movements typically call for returning power to “the people.”
Some scholars identify elements of populism in figures such as Andrew Jackson, William Jennings Bryan, Theodore Roosevelt, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, Viktor Orbán, Juan Perón, and Hugo Chávez.
Unlike many ideologies, populism does not have a single economic or political program. Populist movements can emerge on the political left, the political right, or somewhere in between.
Some populist movements focus on economic inequality and corporate power. Others focus on national identity, immigration, government bureaucracy, or cultural issues.
Because populism can attach itself to many different ideologies, political scientists often describe it as a political style or strategy rather than a complete worldview.
Nationalism and Populism Together
Nationalism and populism sometimes appear together.
A political movement might argue that national interests have been ignored by political elites, combining nationalist themes with populist appeals. However, nationalism can exist without populism, and populism can exist without nationalism.
Understanding this distinction helps explain why political movements that seem similar on the surface can have very different goals and beliefs.
Why These Ideas Matter
Nationalism and populism continue to shape politics around the world. They influence debates about national identity, immigration, globalization, economic policy, political representation, and the relationship between citizens and governing institutions.
Supporters often view these movements as responses to legitimate concerns about identity, representation, and self-government. Critics worry that some forms of nationalism or populism can deepen political divisions, weaken institutions, or encourage hostility toward perceived outsiders.
Because these ideas remain highly influential in modern politics, understanding them is essential for understanding many of today’s political debates.
In section 10.7, we will examine fascism, a distinct political ideology that emerged in the twentieth century and had a profound impact on world history.