How much priority you give to national identity and national interests versus cooperation across borders.
What the two poles mean
Nationalism
A score toward 0 means you lean strongly toward nationalism. On this axis, positions near this pole reflect the priorities described above.
Internationalism
A score toward 100 means you lean strongly toward internationalism. On this axis, positions near this pole reflect the priorities described above.
A common misconception
A score toward nationalism does not automatically mean hostility toward other countries. It measures the priority given to national identity and interests versus international cooperation — a question of emphasis, not of aggression.
People often treat nationalism and patriotism as the same thing, or assume nationalism necessarily implies xenophobia. Many people who lean nationalist are simply more comfortable with a defined national identity, shared history and border control, while remaining friendly and cooperative internationally. The axis describes where you draw the line between "our country first" and "the world together", not how you treat foreigners as individuals.
A score toward internationalism, meanwhile, does not mean you hate your country. It usually reflects a stronger belief in international institutions, open borders and global cooperation, and a wariness that intense national identity can divide people or justify harmful policies.
How it relates to the other axes
Nationalism usually moves together with tradition and culture (assimilation), and against internationalism.
Where you stand
Find out where you stand on this axis — and the other 15 — by taking the 16 Values Test. It is free, anonymous and takes about five minutes.