A political ideology where the nation is defined in terms of ethnicity. It emphasizes a shared ancestry, culture, language, or religion as the basis for national identity and political unity. This belief system often prioritizes the interests of the dominant ethnic group within a state or aspiring nation-state. Consider the breakup of Yugoslavia, where distinct ethnic groups sought to establish independent nation-states based on their perceived shared heritage and culture, leading to conflict and redrawing of political boundaries.
The significance of understanding this concept lies in its influence on state formation, political movements, and international relations. It helps explain conflicts arising from competing claims of national self-determination and the challenges of managing diverse populations within existing political boundaries. Historically, this ideology has been a powerful force behind both state building and the fragmentation of existing states, impacting geopolitical landscapes and triggering significant demographic shifts through migration and displacement.
