A Zionist is someone who supports the idea that Jewish people have a right to self-determination in a Jewish homeland, and to live with sovereignty, safety, and cultural self-government in that homeland. The term is often understood as a political and national movement focused on the establishment, maintenance, and governance of a Jewish state, most commonly associated with the State of Israel, but it can also reference broader advocacy for Jewish national rights and security. Key nuances to understand

• Historical roots: Zionism emerged in the late 19th century in response to sustained antisemitism in Europe and the longing in Jewish tradition for a homeland. It was most prominently shaped by Theodor Herzl and other early leaders who argued for a political solution to Jewish self-determination. This historical context helps explain why Zionism is often tied to the establishment of Israel.
• Diverse strands: Within Zionism, there is a spectrum of views regarding borders, governance, and peace with Palestinians and neighboring states. Some adherents emphasize security, democratic values, and equal rights within a Jewish state; others engage in ongoing debates about settlements, Palestinian statehood, and the paths to a durable peace.
• Not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists are Jews: While Zionism is a Jewish nationalist project, the question of who identifies as a Zionist can vary. Some Jews strongly identify with Zionism; some Jews support Israel without subscribing to the political ideology of Zionism as it’s defined by others. Conversely, non-Jews can support or critique Zionism as a political project or as a stance on Israel’s statehood.

Common ways people articulate Zionism today

• Self-determination: Zionism affirms Jews’ right to political self-determination in a Jewish-majority state.
• National homeland: It grounds Jewish national identity in a historical and cultural connection to the land of Israel.
• Statehood and security: It emphasizes the right to a sovereign nation that can provide safety, civil rights, and cultural flourishing for Jewish people.

Important distinctions

• Zionism vs. anti-Zionism: Critiques of Zionism often focus on policies of the Israeli state or on the treatment of Palestinians; anti-Zionism critiques the idea of a Jewish state as such. It is possible to oppose specific policies while still identifying with Jewish identity or supporting Jewish self-determination in a broader, non-state framework.
• Zionism and Palestinians: A central part of contemporary discussions around Zionism involves how Jewish self-determination intersects with Palestinian rights and statehood. Many advocates argue that a lasting, just peace requires recognizing the aspirations and rights of both peoples.

If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation to a specific context (academic, personal study, or current events) or provide a brief primer that contrasts Zionist views with common critiques and alternative perspectives.