Progressive & Regressive Nationalism
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 19.2.3
Progressive Vs Regressive
A progressive may be characterised as an advocate of modernisation and reform whereas proponents of regressive nationalism prefer the protection and maintenance of established traditions and ways of doing things.
Progressives
- Progressives have traditionally rejected nationalism because of the damage done by the nationalist movements of the 1930s and 1940s.
- Nationalism may be progressive when it seeks to move the nation beyond situations like colonialism and towards self-determination and independence.
- Progressive nationalism is often seen as the opposite of chauvinistic nationalism.
- In contemporary politics, progressive nationalism seeks to blend the national solidarity associated with chauvinistic nationalism with liberal ideas of equal citizenship, tolerance and social justice.
Examples of progressive nationalism
- The New Labour government of Tony Blair demonstrated elements of progressive nationalism. While it strongly advocated the benefits of immigration and multiculturalism, it sought to promote national solidarity through projects like the Millenium Dome.
- The Blair government also sought to situate nationalistic values within the context of internationalism. Britain’s national interests and identity, he argued, were strengthened through the full participation in international alliances, like the EU.
Regressive nationalism
- Nationalism may be regressive when it seeks to preserve or re-establish the sense of national pride of a previous age.
- Regressive nationalism may engage in the practice of scapegoating and/or blame-shifting. The ills of the nation are caused by the unfair practices of others or the unfair structures which undermine the nation's well-being and future prosperity.
Examples of regressive nationalism
- The UK’s relationship with the EU was often characterised by regressive nationalism as proponents of leaving the bloc looked back to a prior time when the country was ‘independent'.
- Donald Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan epitomised regressive nationalism. It was based on a message on anti-internationalism and anti-globalisation.
- Trump promised to return the country to an economic golden age through the return of jobs and industries from abroad.
Test yourself on Progressive & Regressive Nationalism
Which of the following refer to regressive nationalism?
Which of the following is not an example of a form of regressive nationalism?