Key Concepts in Nationalism, Regionalism, and Geopolitics

Nationalism

More than just pride, this is the desire of a 'nation' (a group with shared culture) to possess its own sovereign territory.

Regionalism

This occurs when a population identifies more strongly with their local geographic area than their country.

Ethnonationalism

A powerful form of nationalism where the bond is specifically ethnic (shared ancestry or language).

Subnationalism

The state of having primary loyalty to a traditional group or ethnicity rather than the modern country on your passport.

Sovereignty

The 'ultimate power.' It is the legal right of a state to govern itself, tax its people, and enforce laws within its borders.

Self-determination

The concept that ethnicities have the right to govern themselves.

Democratization

The global trend of moving away from 'top-down' rule (monarchies or dictatorships) toward systems where power is 'bottom-up' (voting).

Territoriality

The human behavior of claiming and defending a geographic space.

Geopolitics

The study of how 'where you are' affects 'how much power you have.'

Transnational corporations

Massive companies like Nike or Apple that operate in many countries.