Although all the forms of nationalism have undoubtedly certain characteristics in common, they could be logically divided into two distinct categories: 1) nationalism of majorities which hold political power in their respective realms, and 2) nationalism of the subject peoples which strive for political and cultural emancipation. This last category includes genuine minorities as well as political minorities, i.e., groups which may constitute majorities in their respective territories, but may find themselves in a position of minorities with respect to the states to which they belong. The dynamics of development of nationalism as an individual as well as social phenomenon is different in each case.