What does nationalism often lead to in societal contexts?

Nationalism often leads to division and conflict within societal contexts primarily because it fosters a strong identification with one's own nation or ethnic group, sometimes at the expense of others. This intense loyalty can create a sense of superiority among members of that group, leading to the exclusion or marginalization of those belonging to different nationalities or ethnicities.

In many cases, nationalist sentiments can escalate tensions, resulting in social strife, political unrest, or even violent confrontations as groups vie for power, resources, or recognition. History provides ample examples where nationalist movements have resulted in significant conflicts, such as in the Balkan region during the 1990s or the struggle for independence in various post-colonial states.

While unity among different ethnic groups can occasionally be a goal of some forms of nationalism, particularly civic nationalism, many expressions of nationalism are inherently linked to promoting the interests of one group over another, leading to division rather than cohesion. As for decreasing cultural pride or fostering neutral political discussions, these outcomes are generally not associated with nationalism, which usually emphasizes pride in one’s heritage and often breeds fervent, emotionally charged political discourse.