BharatNotes Nationalism
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
While constitutional nationalism rooted in shared rights and civic duty can deepen the unity of a diverse polity, an exclusionary, majoritarian nationalism risks fragmenting the very social fabric the Constitution seeks to protect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
nation (n.), national (adj./n.), nationalist (n./adj.), nationalistic (adj.), nationalise (v.), nationally (adv.)
Root
Latin natio = birth, people, tribe; French nationalisme = nationalism (national + -isme)
Etymology
From French nationalisme, itself from national + -isme; first recorded in English c. 1798; the related word nation derives from Latin natio ("birth, people, tribe").
Memory Hook
"NATION + ism" — from Latin natio, "that which is born": pride in the land of one's birth. Picture a citizen waving the flag of the nation into which they were born.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
Identification with a nation and the claim that it should govern itself. Its treatment in GS1 requires care because the word does different work in different contexts: anti-colonial nationalism was an emancipatory claim to self-determination against foreign rule, while exclusionary nationalism defines the nation narrowly and turns inward against minorities. An answer that specifies which sense is in play, rather than treating nationalism as one thing, is doing the analysis the question wants.
Don’t Confuse It With
Nationalism claims that a nation should govern itself and commands loyalty. Patriotism is love of one's country without the political claim. Chauvinism is aggressive assertion of superiority. Civic nationalism defines membership by shared institutions and citizenship, while ethnic nationalism defines it by descent or culture, and the distinction determines who is included.
Hindi Meaning
राष्ट्रवाद (rāshtravād); देशभक्ति (deshbhakti) is closer to patriotism.
Common Questions
- What is nationalism?
- Identification with a nation together with the claim that it should govern itself, commanding the loyalty of its members.
- Is anti-colonial nationalism the same as exclusionary nationalism?
- No. Anti-colonial nationalism asserted self-determination against foreign rule. Exclusionary nationalism defines the nation narrowly and turns against minorities within it.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2023 · GS1 · 10 marks — Modern History
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Nationalism” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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