This paper identifies the major similarities and differences that nativism shares with nationalism (predominantly its economic dimension) and populism. By doing it, this study contributes to overcoming of one of the major obstacles of this realm of scholarly literature which very often confuses and conflates the three concepts. The author claims that, even though they are more similar then different, nativism has its distinctive features that stem from its origins, evolution and contemporary ways of manifestation. Due to its illiberal, exclusivist and prejudice-driven nature, nativism constitutes a dangerous ideology, which intertwines with nationalism and populism in a potentially explosive mixture. The theoretical deliberations are illustrated with the exemplifications of nativist politics in Central Europe.

Keywords: nativism, economic nationalism, ethnic populism, Central Europe