Left-wing nationalism describes a form of nationalism based upon equality, popular sovereignty, and national self-determination.[1] It has its origins in the Jacobinism of the French Revolution.[1] Left-wing nationalism typically espouses anti-imperialism.[2][3] It stands in contrast to right-wing nationalism, and has often rejected racist nationalism and fascism,[2] although some forms of left-wing nationalism, such as Stalinism and Maoism, have included intolerance and racial prejudice.[2]
Notable left-wing nationalist movements in history have included the Indian National Congress that, under Mohandas Gandhi, promoted independence of India, Sinn Féin during the Irish War of Independence and during the Troubles, and the African National Congress of South Africa under Nelson Mandela that challenged apartheid.
Left-wing nationalism has appeared in authoritarian forms. The Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party in Syria and formerly Iraq has promoted pan-Arab nationalism and state socialism. Josip Broz Tito as leader of Yugoslavia and the League of Communists of Yugoslavia promoted left-wing nationalism, although it is questionable whether this could reasonably be considered authoritarian, as Tito did have immense popular support and concentrated on the issues of the people, and not furthering his own power or the state's power.[4]