Nationalism vs. Patriotism

[javasaurus]

The words "nationalism" and "patriotism" are used synonymously by some, while others (especially political scientists) see a difference. After being corrected for a comment I made recently (I used "patriotism" and was told I meant "nationalism"), I started trying to understand the difference betweent the two words.

I knew there was, generally a difference, just as there is a difference between "nation" and "state," and I believed (perhaps naively) that nationalism was love of/devotion to nation, while patriotism was love of/devotion to state. In the USA, most generally don't see a difference between nation and state (unless we are political scientists), though in some other parts of the world the difference is big and important.

So please comment on what you think the words mean, how they differ, and how they apply in the USA. This quiz is open book, but please cite accordingly!

Thanks!

Comments

[anjabeth.livejournal.com]

(*goes over to bookshelf, grabs Political Science Degree from 198-cough-cough-cough, blows lots of dust off*)
Nationalism vs. Patriotism - interesting debate, and it really has nothing to do with Nation/State. :) At it's heart, I feel, is a difference of degree, and of realism vs. idealism. Patriotism is the love of country (nation, state, any political body, really), but more of an "I love my country, isn't is wonderful? Of course, it has it's faults, but it's great! I will defend it, embrace it, and try to keep those annoying people from damaging the principles I dearly love". Nationalism is patriotism writ large and obnoxious: "I love my country, it's the best, and yours sucks. Nothing is as wonderful, as mighty, as glorious! If you love any other country, you must be evil. If you say anything is wrong with my country, you must be evil, or stupid - we must re-educate you".
Patriotism is a civic good - it is important for a political body's denizens, whether citizens or subjects or something in between, to feel good and positive about it. That engenders community, cohesiveness, and the ability to band together in spite of individual differences when necessary to promote the good of the whole. Nationalism, on the other hand, can easily be turned into a civic ill; a body politic whipped up into a frenzy of "us = good, them = bad", or a sentiment of "if you're not with us, you're against us", is capable of great evil not only against other countries, but even against itself. Nationalism, and ultra-nationalism, frequently typify the rise of Fascism and Totalitarianism, as they did it Europe from 1911 - 1946. Nationalism allows one to turn a blind eye to the realities of the situation in favor of pride and fervor. It is, IMNSHO, an exceedingly seductive and dangerous road for any country to follow; its payoff for the state is unquestioning obedience and free reign to pursue what ever goals its leaders desire, and its payoff for its adherents is plenty of feel-good mantra and fervor, positive self-image, and the lack not only of the burden of critical thinking, but also of accepting responsibility for any negative consequences.

(*pats blue folder, puts it back on shelf, walks away thinking "Gee, all that money wasn't wasted after all!*) :)