What political ideology emphasizes the interests of a particular nation and may seek self-governance?

Nationalism is a political ideology that places significant importance on the interests and culture of a specific nation. It often involves a sense of pride in national identity and the belief that a nation should be self-governing or possess sovereignty over its territory. Nationalists typically advocate for the rights of their nation, which can include aspirations for greater autonomy or independence from external influences or central governments.

The essence of nationalism is its focus on the collective identity shared by a group of people, which can be defined by common language, culture, ethnicity, or history. This emphasis on unity and self-determination connects deeply with the desire for self-governance, as nationalists believe that the people of a nation should have the authority to control their political and social affairs.

Other ideologies like conservatism, liberalism, and socialism, while they may address national issues, do not primarily focus on the self-governance aspect tied to a specific national identity. Conservatism is more concerned with tradition and maintaining established institutions; liberalism emphasizes individual freedoms and equality; socialism focuses on collective ownership and economic equality without necessarily centering on national aspirations. Nationalism stands apart as the ideology that directly champions the concept of a nation’s right to govern itself.