Of Nationalism, Jingoism, Othering, and Belongingness

 The article was published on countercurrents.org on 12 June 2025

https://countercurrents.org/2025/06/of-nationalism-jingoism-othering-and-belongingness/

It explored the concept of nationalism in India, highlighting its historical trajectory and the troubling ways it has been manipulated in contemporary politics. I critique the rigid, exclusionary form of nationalism that has emerged, particularly under the influence of neoliberal and authoritarian ideologies, leading to the marginalization of various groups. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Historical Context of Nationalism

• Nationalism in India, like in other parts of the world, began as a means to unite people against colonialism and imperialism. It was initially shaped during the 19th and 20th centuries, often drawing from shared language, culture, and history.

• However, there have been two strands of Indian nationalism: a progressive, inclusive vision based on constitutional morality and democratic values, and a reactionary, exclusionary version that glorifies a mythic past and is rooted in religious identity.

2. Weaponization of Nationalism

• The piece argues that nationalism, traditionally a unifying force, has been weaponized by those in power. It has been used to suppress dissent, undermine civil liberties, and consolidate power, often at the expense of minorities.

• In India, nationalism has increasingly merged with religious identity (especially Hindutva), neoliberalism, and authoritarianism, leading to an aggressive form of nationalism that prioritizes the interests of the dominant groups.

3. Nationalism vs. Belongingness

• Nationalism is often equated with belongingness, but this article emphasizes that belonging is a multi-dimensional concept shaped by caste, class, race, gender, and nation. Thus, belongingness is not a one-size-fits-all idea and must be inclusive of all these intersecting identities.

• The rise of pseudo-nationalism (rooted in exclusion and rigidity) has made it harder for diverse groups to feel included in the national fabric.

4. Impact on Women

• Nationalism has had particularly detrimental effects on women, especially during Partition. Women were often seen as the embodiment of national honor—their bodies became battlegrounds for territorial claims and communal violence. The recovery of abducted women was framed as a matter of national prestige rather than addressing the trauma and agency of the women themselves.

5. Critique of Nationalism by Intellectuals

• Key figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. Ambedkar, and MN Roy critiqued nationalism for its moral perversion and its potential to undermine individual freedoms. Tagore warned that nationalism could numb moral consciousness and promote collective egoism, while Ambedkar argued that nationalism in a deeply hierarchical society like India, marked by caste and religious divides, was incompatible with true national unity.

6. Contemporary Nationalism and Jingoism

• In today's India, nationalism has evolved into jingoism—an aggressive, hyper-patriotic sentiment. This version of nationalism often equates criticism of the state with disloyalty or treason, leading to a polarized society where dissent is silenced, and minorities are marginalized.

• Nationalism has become synonymous with militarism and emotional spectacle, with symbols like the national flag or the army being used to demand unquestioning loyalty rather than promoting civic responsibility or inclusiveness.

• 7. Role of the State and Society

• The article critiques how the state and political movements (like the BJP) have co-opted nationalism to serve their own agendas, particularly through the promotion of a masculinist version of nationalism.

• Scholars have noted the intersection of Hindutva, neoliberalism, and authoritarianism, which has further entrenched exclusionary nationalism, focusing on narrow, majoritarian views of identity that fail to include India's pluralistic society.

• 8. Gendered Aspects of Nationalism

• Nationalism is not a neutral force but inherently gendered, prioritizing male experiences and values in the dominant narrative. National identity often draws from masculinized ideals like valor, sacrifice, and authority, positioning men as central to history and citizenship while relegating women to symbolic or supportive roles.

• Political theorists like Carol Pateman and Cynthia Enloe argue that nationalism often marginalizes women by assigning them symbolic roles (e.g., "mother of the nation") while overlooking their political agency and intellectual contributions.

• Challenging this masculinized nationalism is crucial to developing an inclusive national identity that recognizes the diverse experiences shaping the nation.

• 9. Nationalism and Rising Populism

• There's a growing convergence of nationalism and populism, with right-wing populists using nationalist rhetoric to rally support through fears of immigration, globalism, and cultural dilution.

• Leaders in countries like the USA, Brazil, and Hungary exploit nationalism to justify policies that curtail freedoms, suppress opposition, and consolidate power, often undermining democratic institutions

• The rise of religious nationalism has fueled division, xenophobia, and the erosion of human rights, with nationalist ideologies manipulating people's fears to create an "us vs. them" mentality.

• 10. Phony Nationalism and Othering

• Phony nationalism refers to superficial patriotism that manipulates national pride for political control, using exclusion, fear, and spectacle to stifle democratic values and social cohesion.

• • The concept of "Othering" comes into play here—where individuals or groups deemed "different" or "outsiders" are stigmatized, excluded, or oppressed based on race, ideology, gender, or religion.

  • This form of nationalism breeds division, obscuring India's rich pluralism and making the national identity narrower, exclusionary, and increasingly majoritarian.

  11. Nationalism and Global Inequality

  • In the wake of global crises like economic downturns, mass migration, and the COVID-19 pandemic, nationalism has widened global inequalities. Countries increasingly prioritize domestic interests over international cooperation, weakening global solidarity.

  • For instance, vaccine nationalism during the pandemic left poorer nations with inadequate supplies, deepening disparities in health and economic outcomes.

  • Nationalist policies often exacerbate economic inequality, restrict migration, and fuel xenophobic or protectionist policies, which only strengthen global hierarchies and reinforce inequalities both within and between countries.

  12. Nationalism and War

  • Ethnic nationalism or ultranationalism often promotes the belief in the superiority of one nation, which can rationalize conquest, colonialism, or ethnic cleansing.

  • Nationalism plays a significant role in wars and secessionist movements, often justifying the use of force in the name of national unity, honor, or restoration of national greatness.

  • This fuels internal and external conflicts, creating a climate of fear and division where national security is prioritized over diplomacy and human rights.

  13. Globalization, Neoliberalism, and Nationalism

  • Forces like globalization, neoliberalism, and digitalization have reshaped nationalism by fostering interconnectedness and eroding traditional national boundaries.

  • While globalization and digitalization have enhanced global integration, they have also exacerbated economic disparities within nations, contributing to the rise of economic nationalism.

  • Economic nationalism seeks to reclaim economic sovereignty and resist global capitalism’s adverse effects, but it often reinforces exclusionary politics and undermines democratic ideals. This can be seen in both the USA and India, where economic nationalism has been used to foster polarization and social division.

  14. Oligarchy and Nationalism

  • Rising economic inequality has empowered a small elite to accumulate disproportionate wealth and political influence, often exploiting nationalist sentiment to protect their interests.

  • In many cases, nationalist rhetoric is used to suppress dissent, distract from structural injustices, and consolidate power in the hands of the elite. This undermines democratic institutions and fuels a system where the elite thrive at the expense of the broader population.

  15. Rethinking Belongingness

  • Belongingness is redefined as more than just membership in a nation-state. It means being accepted, valued, and integrated into a community, with the agency to participate and influence the structures that define society.

  • True belonging goes beyond national identity and must consider how intersectional factors—such as caste, class, race, gender, and religion—shape individuals' experiences of inclusion or exclusion.

  • In the age of polarization, identity politics, and rising nationalism, fostering genuine inclusion requires expanding the concept of belongingness to embrace diverse experiences and create inclusive communities.

  16. The Redundancy of Nationalism in the 21st Century

  • The article argues that nationalism, in its exclusionary, jingoistic forms, is inadequate to address the challenges of the 21st century, like climate change, migration, and rising inequalities. The regressive focus on national identity obstructs global solidarity, hindering progress on issues that require international cooperation.

  • In contrast, alternatives like targeted universalism, cosmopolitan belonging, and globalism emphasize human dignity, freedom, and justice beyond borders. These frameworks allow us to move beyond toxic polarization and build cohesive societies grounded in social justice.

  Conclusion

  The article critiques the traditional notion of nationalism in India and how it has been manipulated to serve political interests, particularly in the age of neoliberalism and authoritarianism. It warns that contemporary nationalism, particularly in India, has taken a dark turn toward jingoism and exclusion, and advocates for a return to the inclusive, progressive ideals that originally shaped the national movement. It advocates for an inclusive, globally connected vision of belongingness that transcends national borders and majoritarian ideologies. It imagines a future grounded in progressive universal values—such as human rights, sustainability, and diversity—is necessary to reflect the aspirations of a pluralistic society and India’s role in the global community. It stresses the importance of embracing a more inclusive, democratic, and global vision of belongingness that can truly unite people, rather than dividing them based on rigid, exclusionary national identities