This Essay Argues Why A Strong Ethnonationalism Is Good Today - The Daily Commons
In an era defined by border closures, cultural fragmentation, and the rise of digital tribalism, the idea of strong ethnonationalism—once dismissed as a relic of 20th-century extremism—has resurgent. This essay argues not for exclusion, but for a disciplined, inclusive ethnonationalism: one that grounds collective identity in shared history, linguistic coherence, and civic cohesion, without sacrificing pluralism. The case rests not on biological essentialism, but on the complex interplay of memory, belonging, and institutional resilience.
Reclaiming Ethnos: Identity as a Dynamic Construct
Ethnonationalism, at its core, is about recognizing a people’s deep continuity—not through rigid bloodlines, but through shared language, rituals, and memory. The anthropologist Benedict Anderson’s “imagined communities” remain vital: nations are not natural, but socially constructed. Yet today, globalization erodes these imagined bonds. Migration, social media fragmentation, and the erosion of local traditions threaten the fabric of collective identity. A strong ethnonationalism doesn’t reject diversity—it anchors it in a stable cultural core. It’s about depth, not purity.
Consider Japan’s deliberate cultural stewardship. Despite being a society with high immigration, Japan maintains a near-universal sense of *kokoro*—a shared inner spirit rooted in language, history, and communal ritual. This isn’t xenophobia; it’s a conscious effort to preserve a cohesive national narrative. Similarly, Rwanda’s post-genocide reconciliation, while cautious, underscores how a redefined ethnic identity—one tied to shared trauma and collective rebuilding—can foster unity. These examples reveal ethnonationalism’s potential as a stabilizing force when anchored in inclusive civic participation, not ethnic exclusion.
Institutional Integrity: The Hidden Mechanics of Cohesion
What separates constructive ethnonationalism from dangerous chauvinism lies in institutional design. A strong variant embeds multiple safeguards: constitutional protections for minority rights, civic education that teaches shared values, and legal frameworks that prioritize merit and inclusion. South Korea’s *han*—a complex cultural identity—coexists with a robust democracy precisely because national narrative is taught not as dogma, but as a dynamic story. Schools emphasize *dong* (ethical duty) and *hyodo* (harmony), fostering belonging without erasing difference.
Data from the World Values Survey shows that nations with high social trust—where citizens believe institutions serve the common good—report lower polarization. In Finland, where national identity is tightly woven with linguistic preservation (Finnish and Swedish) and civic duty, social cohesion remains strong despite immigration. The secret isn’t isolation; it’s intentional integration. Policies that teach multiple languages, honor immigrant contributions, and embed minority voices in governance turn diversity into strength.
Civic Resilience: The Counter to Fragmentation
We live in an age of hyper-individualism and digital echo chambers. A strong ethnonationalism, properly framed, acts as a bulwark against alienation. It provides a shared anchor—a “home” not defined by blood, but by participation. In Canada, Quebec’s distinct linguistic and cultural identity coexists within a pluralistic federation, proving that ethnic specificity need not undermine national unity.
Research from the Migration Policy Institute shows that second-generation immigrants in such environments report higher psychological well-being and civic engagement. When national identity is inclusive—recognizing contributions across ethnic lines—it builds resilience. People don’t feel forced to choose between heritage and citizenship. They feel both. That balance is fragile, but possible.
Skepticism: The Ethical Minefield
No argument for ethnonationalism can ignore its risks. History is littered with its darkest forms—from nationalist purges to cultural erasure. The danger lies in conflation: mistaking shared values for ethnic homogeneity, or mistaking tradition for infallibility. A strong ethnonationalism rejects this. It embraces critique, welcomes dissent, and protects marginalized voices within the nation.
Consider Singapore’s model: a multiethnic state where “Asian values” are celebrated, but racial harmony is enforced through law and education. The outcome? One of the world’s most stable, economically dynamic societies. Yet Singapore’s success depends on deliberate policy—not organic identity. It’s a reminder: ethnonational cohesion requires constant, conscious effort, not passive cultural drift.
The Tightrope: Balancing Unity and Diversity
This essay does not advocate for exclusion. It advocates for clarity: a national identity strong enough to withstand fragmentation, yet flexible enough to evolve. The measurement matters—literal and metaphorical. Linguistically, nations where minority languages thrive alongside national tongues (like Wales with Welsh) show higher social cohesion. Politically, countries with proportional representation and inclusive citizenship laws suffer less polarization. Economically, nations with diverse talent pools outperform homogenous ones, as seen in tech hubs from Toronto to Berlin.
In a world where borders are both porous and fortified, the challenge is not to choose between identity and inclusion—but to redefine identity as a bridge, not a wall. Strong ethnonationalism, in this light, is not a return to the past, but a strategic adaptation for the future.
The truth is messy. But messiness is where real progress begins. The question is not whether ethnonationalism can be “good”—but how we shape it. With intention, discipline, and a commitment to justice, it can be a force for unity in a fractured world.