What is Nationalism?

Nationalism. Often people assume this means having a strong sense of patriotism and using that as the basis for their political beliefs. Although this can be the case, Nationalism is more precisely the belief that the nation is the most important part of the political community, legitimising the system of rule. This means that there is a natural division of different nations by humankind, Nationalism can be based on politics, culture or even ethnicity, allowing for an exclusiveness which is why patriotic themes are evident in Nationalism.The political party, UKIP, is an example of how patriotism can be based on the Nationalism ideology, especially with the ethnic aspect of their beliefs. Their support for Britain to become an exclusive political community without immigrants and refugees entering the country. This could be why they believe in strong border control and leaving the European Union. This also includes political nationalism as they also wish for Britain to retain more sovereignty through leaving the EU as they hoped for a Brexit result. The cultural aspect of nationalism could include their hopes of preserving the English language and Britain way of life through Brexit and stricter border controls, which they believe would 'make Britain great again'.

"I have a weapon...it's called Nationalism" - Ho Chi Minh - Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader who was prime minister and president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.