Smith (1999) distinguishes two variants: "continuous perennialism", which claims that particular nations have existed for very long periods, and "recurrent perennialism", which focuses on the emergence, dissolution and reappearance of nations as a recurring aspect of human history.
Smith (1999) minayang kakalih soroh: "perenialisme sane kalanturang", nyihnayang indik wenten panegara sane  sampun  kapanggihang duke nguni, "kaping kalih perenialisme" maulang  inggih punika nyuteyang indik embas taler  rambug, miwah mawali medal sejarah i manusa nguni antuk cihna medalnyane  bangsa-bangsa riin.