Nationalism vs. Imperialism — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
Nationalism emphasizes pride in one's nation and cultural identity, while Imperialism focuses on a nation's expansion by dominating other territories. Both involve strong national interests but in different dimensions.
Difference Between Nationalism and Imperialism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nationalism and Imperialism, while related to a nation's aspirations and identity, serve different roles in political discourse. Nationalism is primarily about the intense pride and loyalty citizens feel towards their country, often rooted in shared culture, history, or language. For instance, during the 19th century, many European nations experienced waves of nationalism as they unified or sought independence.
On the other hand, Imperialism concerns a nation's expansion by taking control of other territories or nations, often through colonization, military conquest, or political influence. Historically, the British Empire was a prime example of imperialism, as they controlled vast territories globally.
While Nationalism is an inward sentiment, reinforcing the unity and identity of a nation's people, Imperialism looks outward, focusing on expanding a nation's reach and influence. The spread of European empires during the 15th to 20th centuries can be seen as imperialism driven by nationalistic motives.
Furthermore, while Nationalism can be a unifying force, encouraging solidarity among citizens, Imperialism can be divisive, as it often entails the suppression of the colonized people's rights and cultures. However, there are instances where nationalism can also be seen as divisive, especially when it fosters exclusion or superiority over others.
In essence, while both Nationalism and Imperialism deal with a nation's position and identity, Nationalism is about internal pride and unity, and Imperialism focuses on external expansion and domination.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Pride in one's nation and cultural identity.
Expansion by dominating other territories or nations.
Scope
Inward-facing.
Outward-facing.
Historical Examples
German and Italian unification.
British, French, and Spanish empires.
Potential Outcomes
Unity or division among citizens.
Colonization, exploitation, or cultural dominance.
Related Concepts
Patriotism, ethnocentrism.
Colonization, hegemony.
Compare with Definitions
Nationalism
A political ideology emphasizing national identity.
Nationalism played a role in the push for independence.
Imperialism
Dominance in political, economic, or cultural terms.
The nation's economic imperialism was evident in its control over trade routes.
Nationalism
Exalting one nation above others.
Extreme nationalism can sometimes lead to conflicts with neighboring countries.
Imperialism
The belief in empire-building as a right or duty.
Some viewed imperialism as a civilizing mission.
Nationalism
Loyalty and commitment to one's nation.
Nationalism surged during the country's centennial celebration.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power by diplomacy or military force.
Imperialism led to the establishment of colonies in distant lands.
Nationalism
The aspiration for national independence.
Under colonial rule, nationalism became a driving force for freedom.
Imperialism
Expanding a nation's power through colonization.
The age of exploration was marked by European imperialism.
Nationalism
Nationalism is an idea and movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the state. As a movement, nationalism tends to promote the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people), especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its homeland.
Imperialism
Control or influence over other nations without direct governance.
Soft power is a form of cultural imperialism, influencing others without force.
Nationalism
Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations
Their nationalism is tempered by a desire to join the European Union
Imperialism
Imperialism is a policy or ideology of extending the rule over peoples and other countries, for extending political and economic access, power and control, often through employing hard power, especially military force, but also soft power. While related to the concepts of colonialism and empire, imperialism is a distinct concept that can apply to other forms of expansion and many forms of government.
Nationalism
Devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating devotion, to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.
Imperialism
The extension of a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political dominance over other nations.
Nationalism
The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.
Imperialism
A political doctrine or system promoting such extension of authority.
Nationalism
The belief that a particular cultural or ethnic group constitutes a distinct people deserving of political self-determination.
Imperialism
The policy of forcefully extending a nation's authority by territorial gain or by the establishment of economic and political dominance over other nations.
Nationalism
Patriotism; the idea of supporting one's country, people or culture.
Imperialism
The power or character of an emperor; imperial authority; the spirit of empire.
Roman imperialism had divided the world.
Nationalism
Support for the creation of a sovereign nation (which does not currently exist).
Basque nationalism
Kurdish nationalism
Imperialism
The policy, practice, or advocacy of seeking, or acquiescing in, the extension of the control, dominion, or empire of a nation, as by the acquirement of new, esp. distant, territory or dependencies, or by the closer union of parts more or less independent of each other for operations of war, copyright, internal commerce, etc. The practise of building or extending an empire.
The tide of English opinion began to turn about 1870, and since then it has run with increasing force in the direction of what is called imperialism.
Nationalism
Support for the union of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Imperialism
A policy of extending your rule over foreign countries
Nationalism
The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.
Imperialism
A political orientation that advocates imperial interests
Nationalism
An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.
Imperialism
Any instance of aggressive extension of authority
Nationalism
National independence; the principles of the Nationalists.
Nationalism
A devotion to one's country; patriotism;
Nationalism
The policy of advocating the independence of one's country.
Nationalism
The policy of advocating the interests of one's own country exclusively, regardless of effects of a country's actions on other countries.
Nationalism
Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
Nationalism
The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can co-exist peacefully and equitably in a single country
Nationalism
The aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination
Nationalism
The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals
Nationalism
Pride based on shared culture, history, or language.
The shared language bolstered nationalism among the citizens.
Common Curiosities
How does Imperialism relate to expansion?
Imperialism involves a nation's expansion by controlling or influencing other territories or nations.
What is the core concept of Nationalism?
Nationalism centers on pride and loyalty to one's nation, often based on shared culture or history.
How can Nationalism be both unifying and divisive?
While nationalism can unite citizens with shared identities, it can also exclude or demean others.
Can Nationalism lead to Imperialism?
Yes, nationalistic motives can sometimes drive imperialistic endeavors.
How do patriotism and Nationalism differ?
While both involve love for one's country, nationalism emphasizes shared cultural or historical identity, often to a more intense degree.
What's an example of cultural Imperialism?
The spread of Western media and lifestyles to other parts of the world can be seen as cultural imperialism.
Does Imperialism always involve direct rule over another nation?
No, imperialism can be through direct rule, economic dominance, or cultural influence.
Can Imperialism exist without colonization?
Yes, imperialism can manifest through economic, political, or cultural dominance without direct colonization.
How did Imperialism impact indigenous populations?
Imperialism often led to the suppression or alteration of indigenous cultures, rights, and economies.
Did Imperialism shape world history?
Absolutely, imperialism played a pivotal role in shaping geopolitics, economies, and cultures worldwide.
Was the Roman Empire an example of Imperialism?
Yes, the Roman Empire's expansion and control over various territories is an example of imperialism.
Is Nationalism inherently negative?
No, nationalism can be a source of pride and unity, but extreme forms can lead to exclusion or conflict.
Is Nationalism always based on ethnicity?
No, nationalism can be based on shared culture, language, history, or political identity, not just ethnicity.
Can countries experience Imperialism today?
Yes, forms of economic or cultural imperialism can still be observed in global relations.
How is Nationalism expressed in modern times?
Nationalism can manifest in patriotic events, cultural celebrations, political movements, or territorial disputes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
