Value liberalism's view of nationalism

We use the word 'nationalism' to denote a view of nations and states. There are different kinds of nationalism, such as ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism. This is consistent with the language used in the serious literature on area. In everyday speech, however, the word nationalism is often used for chauvinism and national supremacism, ie for an approach where one's own nation is considered to stand over the others. For us, it's just a kind of nationalism, and a kind like us of course rejects.

By civic nationalism ('civic nationalism' in English) is meant an approach where the nation is defined by its state, for example by its constitution. The United States and France are usually mentioned as examples of countries where the civilian nationalism prevails. The nation of the United States is then characterized by its constitution and France by its Republican rule. Everyone who takes a stand for this shall be considered a full member of the nation.

We use the word value nationalism to denote an extension of such civic nationalism, where the nation is defined not only by the state but also of the societal values. Everyone who takes a stand for the state and which also participates in the country's community of values ​​shall be considered as full member of the nation. (See page under the 'community of values' tab for the explanation of this word). This means that we regard the 'nation' as just roughly equal to the 'citizens' or 'population': the people who are not at all shares the basic principles of statehood, or the foundations of society values, may be citizens, but they not part of the nation. This applies, for example, to fascists, who believe that the country should be led by a 'strong man', and this applies to Islamists who believe that sharia should be the country's team. But everyone has to decide for themselves whether he or she want to consider themselves part of the nation or not.

Historical perspective

When we talk about value nationalism, we also want to add one historical perspective. In ethnic nationalism, it is common to see the nation as a link with previous generations, that is with one's own ancestors. We do not share that view but see instead the nation as a link with the people who lived in the country in the past centuries, regardless of whether we are associated with descent or not. We have a relationship with them through a common history and through that Governments and values ​​have changed gradually and continuously way. With this approach, it also becomes obvious to new arrivals citizens should be able to see previous generations in the country as their 'predecessors' although not 'ancestors'.