Cultural nationalism is a form of nationalism in which the nation is defined by a shared culture. It is an intermediate position between ethnic nationalism on one hand and civic nationalism on the other. It will, therefore, will focus on a national identity shaped by cultural traditions and by language, but not on the concepts of common ancestry or race.

Cultural nationalism encompasses the feelings of cultural pride that people have in a society. This society is typically an ethnically diverse makeup of people who have common cultural beliefs and a common language but not a common race or ancestry. An “ethnically diverse” society usually defined as one with multiple ethnic groups that each comprise a substantial percentage of the population. These societies thus have a shared culture even when they do not share the historically common characteristics of a national group.

Cultural Nationalism as a concept came up in work of German Philosopher Herder. In India during national movement, Aurobindo Ghosh and VD Savarkar were its greatest proponents.

Such kind of nationalism can be both liberal as well as illiberal. However, the fine line dividing such different approaches to cultural nationalism is to be taken note of at all times.

It is regarded to be illiberal for the following reasons: 

1. Focus is more on unity in universality-so lesser regard for minority rights.
2. Members following a particular culture can often expect others to accept their doctrines and philosophy. Their aversion towards cultural diversity is often exemplified through the trends of majoritarianism. It can easily take violent turns, violence in any form is a blow to freedom and liberty of individuals.
3. It can reduce the public rhetoric to binary terms i.e. every view can be termed as nationalist or anti nationalist.
4. Opponents of cultural nationalism are often suppressed, and any kind of dissent is not tolerated if it offends their feelings. If misused it can curtail freedom of speech and expression as well.
5. For a nation-state, the proponents often force the government to make concessions in their policy-making goals, in order to accommodate their cultural concerns.

Extent of it being liberal enough:

1. Culture is part and parcel of our lives and no one can be totally separated from culture. Cultural nationalism might help in inculcating the notion of unity in diversity.
2. Non-interference in the affairs of other cultures or faiths inculcates the values of tolerance and trust among citizens.
3. It involves greater debate on sensitive topics like nationalism for general public which largely constrain themselves with bread and butter issues. It can often be used to infuse the spirit of sacrifice and hard work, for the sake of achieving greater goals.

Conclusion –

Cultural nationalism is often perceived in negative light because it is largely misused for political gains. But all theories of nationalism has an assumption that man is rational enough to seek for what is good for him and applying reason to nationalism can bring greater good for both the individual and society. So, blind faith in culture may be harmful but logical and pragmatic form of cultural nationalism is conducive.