The nationalist fallacy claims that a person’s virtues, defects, or rights depend on their place of birth. It is a variant of the genetic fallacy.
Example
“That proposal is bad because it comes from country X.”
(Geographic origin does not determine quality.)
Applied example (political)
“That policy is bad because it comes from country X.” (Nationality does not determine quality.)
Applied example (mystical)
“That method does not work because it is not from our land.” (It appeals to geographic origin.)
Why it is fallacious
- It confuses geographic identity with validity.
- It replaces evidence with prejudice.
- It reduces complex realities to stereotypes.
How to spot it
- Judgments based on nationality or “homeland”.
- Stereotypes used as arguments.
- No data or results are analyzed.
How to respond
- Ask for evidence about the proposal, not its origin.
- Point out that quality is not tied to nationality.
- Evaluate concrete facts.