Imperialism vs Nationalism
Imperialism is the policy or advocacy of extending a state's power over other territories and peoples, through conquest, colonization or political and economic control.
- National greatness depends on expanding power, territory and influence abroad.
- Colonies provide raw materials, markets and strategic bases.
- A strong navy and military are needed to win and hold empire.
Nationalism holds that people who share a national identity should govern themselves and that loyalty to the nation should take priority over other group or international interests.
- Nations are real and meaningful communities that deserve recognition.
- Each nation has a right to self-determination and, ideally, its own state.
- Loyalty to the nation should come before loyalty to international bodies.
- Imperialism: petals and stars
- Nationalism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Welfare40 points apart
Imperialism: Self-reliant (mild). Nationalism: Shared (mild).
- Technology40 points apart
Imperialism: Embrace (mild). Nationalism: Caution (mild).
- Authority30 points apart
Imperialism: Strong leader (moderate). Nationalism: Strong leader (mild).
- Security30 points apart
Imperialism: Order (strong). Nationalism: Order (moderate).
★ Where they are closest
- Culture · 0 apart
- Trade · 10 apart
- Morality · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Nationalism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipMild: Private35%65%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Free45%55%PlannedFree
- WelfareMild: Self-reliant35%65%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Strong leader20%80%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order15%85%LibertyOrder
- StructureStrong: Central10%90%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Traditional25%75%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Religious33%67%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace65%35%EmbraceCaution
- CultureStrong: National identity8%92%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Protected25%75%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength3%97%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Imperialism or Nationalism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Imperialism or Nationalism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Imperialism vs Nationalism
What is the difference between Imperialism and Nationalism?
Imperialism is the policy or advocacy of extending a state's power over other territories and peoples, through conquest, colonization or political and economic control. Nationalism holds that people who share a national identity should govern themselves and that loyalty to the nation should take priority over other group or international interests. On the 12 axes they differ most on welfare, technology, authority.
What do Imperialism and Nationalism have in common?
Their positions are closest on culture, trade, morality. Overall their profiles are a 87% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Imperialism or Nationalism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.