Final answer:
Extreme nationalism is crucial for totalitarian states as it consolidates power, unifies citizens, and suppresses dissent, allowing leaders to justify repressive measures and pursue expansionist policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of nationalism to totalitarian states stems from its utility in consolidating power and creating a uniform national identity. Extreme nationalism is often employed by these regimes to foster a collective sense of superiority, unity, and unquestioning loyalty to the state. It's a strategic tool that aids in the mobilization of the masses in support of a government's agenda, and the suppression of dissent. By emphasizing national unity and strength, totalitarian leaders can easily justify repressive measures and mobilize the population for expansionist or militaristic endeavors.
Totalitarian regimes, characterized by their strong sense of nationalism, often reject democratic principles in favor of a highly stratified society. By cultivating an intense national pride, these governments aim to control not just the public and political spheres but also the personal beliefs and identities of their citizens. This sense of nationalism can lead to the vilification of outsiders and the marginalization of minority communities.