State nationalism

State nationalism or state-led nationalism is a nationalism that equates 'state identity' with 'nation identity' or values state authority. 'State nationalism' is considered a form of 'civic nationalism' and there are similarities between the two, but state nationalism also has to do with illiberal, authoritarian and totalitarian politics.

Conceptual framework

State nationalism is a "top-down" process where the state apparatus creates and promotes a national identity to secure political legitimacy. Unlike ethnic nationalism, which typically emerges as a "bottom-up" movement from shared ancestry, state nationalism relies on the existing legal and political boundaries of the state. Scholars like Anthony D. Smith categorize this as a feature of "territorial nations," where the state exists before a coherent sense of national belonging is formed. In this model, the state uses institutions—such as public education, military service, and official language policies—to assimilate diverse populations into a single national body.

While civic nationalism is broadly associated with political liberalism, state nationalism is more closely aligned with conservatism, emphasizing social cohesion and public order.

By countries

Asia

In the East Asian cultural sphere, including China, "state nationalism" and "statism" are both written as 國家主義, making the distinction between the two unclear. Also, in the East Asian cultural sphere, state nationalism is often contrasted with ethnic-based national liberation movements.

China

Republic of China (1912–1949)

Chiang Kai-shek promoted strong ROC-based Chinese nationalism throughout the territories under his control, as well the Tridemist ideal of a unified "Dang Guo" (Party-state), to solidify its rule and ideological supremacy.