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This lesson examines two of the most important strands of nationalism: liberal nationalism and conservative nationalism. These two forms of nationalism differ significantly in their values, goals, and implications, and understanding the distinction is essential for A-Level Politics.
Liberal nationalism combines the core principles of liberalism (individual rights, democracy, toleration, self-determination) with the belief that the nation is the natural unit of political organisation.
| Principle | Liberal Nationalist View |
|---|---|
| Self-determination | Every nation has the right to govern itself through its own democratic state |
| Civic nationalism | The nation is defined by shared political values and citizenship, not by ethnicity or descent |
| Constitutionalism | The nation-state should be governed by a constitution that protects individual rights |
| Internationalism | Nations should coexist peacefully; national self-determination promotes international harmony |
| Democracy | National self-governance is expressed through democratic institutions |
| Toleration | The nation-state should respect the rights of minorities within its borders |
Giuseppe Mazzini (1805–1872) — the leading theorist and activist of Italian unification (Risorgimento). Mazzini believed that:
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