Types of Nationalism

Nationalism cannot be defined adequately in simple terms, since it usually assumes varied forms and expressions. However, if we are allowed to define it tentatively, nationalism is group-consciousness of a certain nation aiming at its unity, independence and prosperity, from a desire to possess its own state. Such a definition is the most applicable to the case of modern nations. And further, nationalism, in this sense, has two types of significance : one is the independence from other countries and the other is the further expansion after obtaining the independence. In view of these backgrounds, this paper is intended to clarify the type of nationalism available in the contemporary world. We wish to start with the introduction of and our own criticism on various views held by scholars about the typology of nationalism. In writing this paper, we owe a great deal to the theories of H. Kohn, M. Wirth, C. J. H. Hayes, E. H. Carr, M. S. Handman, G. Ichheiser, and L. D. Greenberg. Above all, I am inclined to appreciate the theories of the former two scholars. As a result of review about the scholars, I present here three types of nationalism as ideal types as follows : (1) nationalism in the Western world, (2) nationalism analogous to that of the Western world, (3) nationalism in the Asian world. The basic assumption underlying our typology, though they may overlap each other to a certain extent, can be concluded as follows : nationalism (1) corresponds to that of advanced countries, nationalism (2) to that of middle-developed countries, and nationalism (3) to that of under-developed countries. The scientific study of nationalism must be established beyond the knowledge of specific cases and at the same time by avoiding lumping together all instances of nationalism. The full understanding of the characteristic forms of these three, we believe, enables us to get the correct knowledge of nationalism prevalent in each area