Towards a realist theory of nationalism: Exploring realpolitik and the threshold principle in nineteenth century nationalism.

This article critiques Ernest Gellner's definition of nationalism for not fully capturing the intricacies of nineteenth‐century nationalist movements and introduces "realist nationalism" as a more comprehensive framework. By integrating Eric Hobsbawm's threshold principle with the realism prevalent in international relations, this concept emphasises the strategic importance of power and security in nationalist endeavours. Through a detailed historical analysis, the study demonstrates how pre‐World War II nationalist movements and state formations were significantly influenced by realpolitik, thereby challenging the conventional dichotomy between nationalism and imperialism. "Realist nationalism" provides a nuanced historical understanding of nationalism's interplay with geopolitical dynamics, offering insights that illuminate the complexities of nationalist movements both in the past and their continuing relevance today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]