Nationalism vs. Ultranationalism — What's the Difference?

Loyalty and devotion to a nation.

Intense loyalty to one's country to the detriment of international relations.

A sentiment that binds people of a nation together.

Extreme nationalism that promotes an aggressive stance against foreign nations.

The desire for national advancement or independence.

A form of nationalism marked by a feeling of superiority over other nations.

Advocacy of political independence for a particular country.

Advocacy of extreme measures to protect national interests.

A political ideology that emphasizes national interests.

A belief in the need to maintain or restore a nation's purity.

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.

Ultranationalism or extreme nationalism is an extreme form of nationalism in which a country asserts or maintains detrimental hegemony, supremacy, or other forms of control over other nations (usually through violent coercion) to pursue its specific interests. Ultranationalist entities have been associated with the engagement of political violence even during peacetime.In ideological terms, scholars such as British political theorist Roger Griffin have found that ultranationalism arises from seeing modern nation-states as living organisms directly akin to physical people such that they can decay, grow, die, and additionally experience rebirth.

Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations

Extreme nationalism, especially when opposed to international cooperation.

Devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating devotion, to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.

Extreme nationalism, the belief in the superiority of one's nation and of the paramount importance of advancing it.

The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.

Fanatical patriotism

The belief that a particular cultural or ethnic group constitutes a distinct people deserving of political self-determination.

Patriotism; the idea of supporting one's country, people or culture.

Support for the creation of a sovereign nation (which does not currently exist).

Support for the union of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.

An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.

National independence; the principles of the Nationalists.

A devotion to one's country; patriotism;

The policy of advocating the independence of one's country.

The policy of advocating the interests of one's own country exclusively, regardless of effects of a country's actions on other countries.

Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it

The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can co-exist peacefully and equitably in a single country

The aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination

The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals

While nationalism can unify a country, excessive nationalism can lead to isolationism, discrimination, and conflicts with other countries.

Ultranationalism is a form of nationalism that is extreme, often marked by a belligerent foreign policy, ethnic exclusivity, and authoritarian tendencies in governance.

Nationalism is an ideology and movement characterized by the promotion of the interests, culture, and identity of a nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its homeland.

Nationalism is often seen as a political principle linked to the sovereignty of a nation, whereas patriotism is more about emotional attachment and pride in one's country.

Education can play a critical role in shaping nationalist sentiments by influencing how history and current events are taught, potentially fostering a sense of pride and unity or, conversely, sowing divisions.

Ultranationalism can lead to severe xenophobia, ethnic cleansing, and aggressive wars, potentially causing immense harm both domestically and internationally.

Ultranationalism can lead to stringent immigration laws, aggressive national security measures, and policies that suppress minority rights in the name of national cohesion and purity.

While not always explicitly linked to racism, ultranationalism frequently includes racist elements, as it often entails belief in national superiority and purity, which can manifest as ethnic or racial discrimination.

Nationalism can foster unity, improve political participation, and inspire collective efforts towards national development and self-sufficiency.

Nationalist movements can challenge globalization by emphasizing local jobs, industries, and cultural practices, often advocating for policies that restrict free trade and movement of people.

Yes, within a country, there can be mainstream nationalist movements that coexist with more extreme ultranationalist groups, each influencing the national discourse to varying extents.

Ultranationalism can lead to increased societal division and conflict, a heightened sense of insecurity among minorities, and an overall atmosphere of fear and hostility.

Ultranationalism often rises in response to perceived threats to national identity, economic instability, or in the aftermath of national humiliation or perceived injustice.

Examples include Fascist Italy under Mussolini, Nazi Germany under Hitler, and Imperial Japan during World War II, all of which pursued aggressive expansionist and exclusionary policies.

Countries may respond with diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, or by strengthening their own national security measures, depending on the severity and impact of the ultranationalist actions.