Study links prewar Japanese language use to exclusionary nationalism

Countries go to war for a complex mix of economic, military, and geopolitical reasons, but recent research highlights exclusionary nationalism as a significant driver. This form of nationalism, rooted in the belief that one's own nation is superior, can inflame tensions and push states toward conflict. By examining how people use language, scholars have identified a clear pattern: as exclusionary attitudes rise, individuals increasingly favor words from their native tongue while rejecting or avoiding foreign terms, even those associated with perceived adversaries.

The linguistic shift is measurable and offers a tangible indicator of nationalist sentiment. Studies show that in societies where nationalism intensifies, native vocabulary usage spikes, and foreign loanwords decline, reflecting a broader cultural distancing from other nations. Tracking these language trends can help analysts gauge the emotional climate that precedes diplomatic breakdowns and potential military escalation. Understanding how language mirrors nationalistic fervor thus provides a valuable tool for anticipating and mitigating the factors that lead to war.