Internationalism vs. Nationalism — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
Internationalism emphasizes global cooperation and unity, while nationalism prioritizes a country's interests and identity.
Difference Between Internationalism and Nationalism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Internationalism and nationalism represent two different approaches to how nations interact with each other and prioritize their interests. It supports the idea that nations should work together to create a peaceful and prosperous world community, often through international institutions and agreements. On the other hand, nationalism is centered on promoting a country's sovereignty, interests, and cultural identity above all else.
Internationalism advocates for greater political and economic cooperation among nations, aiming to address global challenges collectively, such as climate change, terrorism, and global pandemics. Nationalists argue that a country's primary responsibility is to its own citizens, and its policies should be crafted with the nation's interest as the foremost priority. This can include protecting national industries, controlling immigration, and emphasizing national traditions and values.
While internationalism seeks to transcend national boundaries for the common good, nationalism often focuses on strengthening these boundaries to preserve and enhance national sovereignty. Internationalists believe in the power of global governance structures, such as the United Nations, to solve international problems, whereas nationalists may view such structures as infringements on national sovereignty.
The economic policies of internationalism and nationalism also differ markedly. Internationalism favors open markets, free trade agreements, and the global movement of people as ways to foster economic growth and cultural exchange. Nationalism, conversely, may advocate for protectionist policies to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, restrict immigration to protect jobs, and promote economic independence.
In terms of identity, internationalism encourages a sense of global citizenship, where individuals identify with global values and humanity as a whole. Nationalism, by contrast, emphasizes a deep connection to one's nation, its history, and culture, often fostering a sense of pride and patriotism.
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Comparison Chart
Core Principle
Global cooperation and unity.
Priority to national interests and identity.
Political Approach
Advocates for collective international action.
Focuses on national sovereignty and independence.
Economic Policies
Supports open markets and free trade.
May favor protectionist measures.
Identity
Promotes a sense of global citizenship.
Emphasizes national identity and pride.
Institutions
Believes in international institutions for global governance.
Often skeptical of international institutions.
Compare with Definitions
Internationalism
Advocacy for global unity.
His speech promoted internationalism as a path to world peace.
Nationalism
Support for protecting domestic industries.
Nationalism leads to tariffs to support local businesses.
Internationalism
Favoring international over national solutions.
Internationalism would opt for a global treaty on climate change.
Nationalism
Emphasis on national identity.
Nationalism often involves celebrating national history and culture.
Internationalism
A policy of cooperation among nations.
Internationalism drives the UN's efforts to tackle global issues.
Nationalism
Loyalty and devotion to a nation.
The parade was a display of nationalism.
Internationalism
Support for international institutions.
Internationalism is behind her support for the World Health Organization.
Nationalism
The belief in national interests first.
His policies were criticized as being too focused on nationalism.
Internationalism
Belief in global citizenship.
Internationalism encourages seeing oneself as part of a global community.
Nationalism
Advocacy for national sovereignty.
Nationalism fuels their rejection of international courts.
Internationalism
The condition or quality of being international in character, principles, concern, or attitude.
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.
Internationalism
A policy or practice of cooperation among nations, especially in politics and economic matters.
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
Internationalism
(politics) Political, economic and cultural cooperation between nations.
Nationalism
Devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating devotion, to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.
Internationalism
(linguistics) A loanword that occurs in several languages with the same or similar meaning and etymology.
Nationalism
The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.
Internationalism
The state or principles of international interests and intercourse.
Nationalism
The belief that a particular cultural or ethnic group constitutes a distinct people deserving of political self-determination.
Internationalism
The doctrines or organization of the International.
Nationalism
Patriotism; the idea of supporting one's country, people or culture.
Internationalism
The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals
Nationalism
Support for the creation of a sovereign nation (which does not currently exist).
Basque nationalism
Kurdish nationalism
Internationalism
Quality of being international in scope;
He applauded the internationality of scientific terminology
Nationalism
Support for the union of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Nationalism
The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.
Nationalism
An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.
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
Common Curiosities
Can a person support both internationalism and nationalism?
Yes, individuals can find a balance, supporting international cooperation in some areas while prioritizing national interests in others.
How do internationalism and nationalism affect immigration policies?
Internationalism may support more open immigration policies, while nationalism often advocates for stricter controls to protect national identity and jobs.
Does internationalism weaken national sovereignty?
Critics argue it can, but supporters believe it strengthens global security and prosperity, benefiting all nations.
What is the main difference between internationalism and nationalism?
Internationalism focuses on global cooperation and unity, while nationalism prioritizes a nation's interests, sovereignty, and identity.
Are nationalism and patriotism the same?
Not exactly; patriotism involves love for one’s country, while nationalism is more about promoting national interests and can include asserting superiority over other countries.
How does internationalism propose to solve global issues?
Through international agreements, institutions, and cooperative efforts that transcend national borders.
What role do national interests play in internationalism?
They are considered within the broader context of global well-being, aiming for solutions that benefit both individual nations and the international community.
What drives the appeal of nationalism?
Economic concerns, security issues, and cultural identity can all fuel nationalism's appeal.
What is a nationalist reaction to international criticism?
Nationalists may view international criticism as an infringement on their sovereignty and a challenge to their policies.
Can internationalism prevent conflicts?
Its proponents argue that international cooperation and understanding can reduce the likelihood of conflicts.
Can nationalism lead to isolationism?
In some cases, strong nationalist policies can lead to isolationism, where a country minimizes its international engagements.
How does nationalism affect international relations?
It can lead to tensions and conflicts when national interests clash, but it can also lead to bilateral agreements based on mutual interests.
How do internationalism and nationalism view global trade?
Internationalism favors free trade as a means to foster economic growth globally, while nationalism may see protectionist policies as necessary to protect domestic jobs and industries.
Does internationalism diminish cultural identity?
Critics of internationalism worry about this, but its proponents argue it enriches cultural identities through global exchange.
How do international agreements fit into nationalism?
Nationalists may support international agreements that they believe serve their nation's interests but resist those perceived as harmful to national sovereignty.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
