Race as a reinforcement of nationalism

Race may give rise to national separatism in a multi-racial state, or to nationalist domination of one race over others in the same country. It may take the form of racism to the detriment or destruction of the other races. Nationalism may be founded on a racial ideal (such as Aryanism). The intensely racial basis for nationalism is usually the product of a multi-racial society or of contact between different races and racial rivalry under colonialism.

Race appears as a motivating force for independence in colonial countries and as the cause of civil war or separatism after independence (Biafra, Burundi), where artificial national boundaries have been made under colonialism (Nigeria) or where a racial elite has been formed under colonialism (Burundi).