Liberal & Conservative Nationalism
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 19.2.1
Liberal Nationalism
A post-imperialist concept, dating back to the French Revolution and the thinking of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, that favours a world of independent nation-states.
The theory behind liberal nationalism
- Founded upon the idea of popular sovereignty. The nation-state is a construct of and gains its legitimacy from the people. The nation is not an artificial construct created by politicians. It is a natural phenomenon; a community that has developed over-time.
- Liberal nationalism has come to define the global order; a world divided into nation-states, each with distinct identities.
- Territorial boundaries are significant for the nation. The boundaries contain the nation and set the parameters for politics and government.
Ideas in liberal nationalism
- Liberal nationalism is unlike chauvinistic and regressive nationalism. It does not believe in national superiority. All nations are equal and have the right to exist and govern themselves. I.e. self-determination.
- Liberal nationalism is about stability both within and between nations.
Liberal nationalism and empire
Imperialism and Empire are the antithesis of liberal nationalism.
The oppression of another nation or state is not compatible with the belief in self-determination. Moreover, imperialism and Empire can lead to instability in the world as nations seek self-determination.
The breakdown of European Empires after the First and Second World Wars advanced the liberal nationalist cause as the world fragmented into nation-states.
Liberal nationalism
- Unlike other strands of nationalism, like regressive and chauvinistic, liberal nationalism is compatible with internationalism. The formation of institutions like the EU and the UN should be welcomed.
- Supranationalism (EU) is more than a means of cooperation for nation-states but a brake on the expansionist tendencies of rogue states. Nazi Germany had shown the consequences of allowing a nation-state to expand its sovereignty over others.
- At the end of the Second World War, the EU was formed as a security community to stop war recurring within Europe. The pooling of sovereignty weakens national sovereignty as a means of preventing the expansionist tendencies of Europe’s nation-states.
Conservative Nationalism
Conservative nationalism takes an organic view of society, that is that the world is naturally divided into nations, and seeks to preserve the traditions and established customs of the nation.
Key ideas in conservative nationalism
- Attachment to the nation and its values provides social cohesion and public order.
- Conservative nationalism draws heavily upon conservative values of social cohesion, patriotism and public order.
- Tradition looms large in conservative nationalism; the traditional institutions of the nation are revered, celebrated and protected.
- For example, Conservatives in the UK place particular significance on monarchy, parliament and the armed forces.
Reagan and Thatcher
- The neo-liberalism of the US and UK governments relied heavily on a conservative form of nationalism.
- Reagan presented an idyllic vision of America based upon traditional institutions like religion and marriage with an assertive foreign policy.
- Margaret Thatcher used the nation and national symbols to her advantage following victory in the Falklands War in 1982.
- The image of British soldiers returning home under the Union Flag following victory in the Falklands galvanised the nation.
Conservative nationalism today
- Conservative nationalism may seek a return to a ‘golden age’ of the past.
- This was reflected in the Vote Leave campaign, which argued Brexit would restore UK sovereignty outside EU rules.
- Conservative nationalism claims Parliament and courts would regain full authority.
- Euroscepticism and reduced immigration are key themes, as EU influence and cultural change are seen as threats to traditional institutions and ways of life.
Test yourself on Liberal & Conservative Nationalism
Which statement is false?
Which of the following are core concepts in liberal nationalism?
What are the purposes of supranationalism in the liberal order?
Which of the following are core ideas in conservative nationalism?
Which statement is false?