Political Zionism: Origins, Evolution, and Controversies Political Zionism is a nationalist movement that began in the late 19th century, primarily championed by Theodor Herzl, who argued that Jews, facing widespread anti-Semitism in Europe, required a sovereign state of their own for safety and self-determination. Initially, the movement sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a region of historical and religious significance for Jews. Early Developments and the Balfour Declaration