what’s the difference between nationalism and patriotism?
In: 1503
TL;DR: Patriotism and nationalism are used interchangeably, but usually it’s the French school of nationalism people (usually unwittingly) mean when they say patriotism, while the word ‘nationalism’ has almost become synonymous for the 19th century German school of nationalism.
A slightly more detailed version:
There are three main ‘schools’ of nationalism:
1. The French school of nationalism, also often called ‘Patriotism’. Simply put, a follower of the French school of nationalism will focus on citizenship, civic duty and the like and generally ignore race, religion, culture etc. Famous examples: Most modernized nations in the 21st century, the Soviet Union, Indonesia etc*.
2. The German school of nationalism (also called ethno-nationalism): A form of nationalism centered around race and/or ethnic background. For an follower of this school of nationalism, it doesn’t matter how loyal or integrated you are: if you’re not part of the main ethnic group, you’re considered an outsider. Famous examples: Nazi Germany, white supremacists, Imperial Japan etc.
3. Then there is something called ‘Religious nationalism’ or ‘Theo-nationalism’. A religious nationalism will first and foremost care about which religion and/or denomination you’re part of as a qualifier for membership into the national fold. Famous examples: ISIS (It’s even in their name: Islamic state. One of their main goals was the recreation of the Caliphate of old for Sunnis), certain christian evangelicals.
So to answer your question: patriotism and nationalism are used interchangeably, but usually it’s the French school of nationalism people (unwittingly) mean when they say patriotism, while the word ‘nationalism’ has almost become synonymous for the German school of nationalism.
*Important note: This is just the philosophy behind these schools. Few states conform to only one school at a time. e.g. every nation has a substantial amount of ethno-nationalists, even if they don’t get to call the shots most of the time. And some nations who’s institutions have embraced the French school of nationalism can engage in racist or even genocidal policies. And there is a lot of overlap as well. e.g. religious nationalists can also often be ethno-nationalists.
These classifications are just there to give people roughly an idea where a movement has its main focus around nationhood. Do they value race, religion or culture? Or do they value loyalty and love for the country first and foremost?
Finally, many of these schools can in turn be divided into sub-schools. e.g. The Soviet Union had a pretty big ideological component to its nationalism (even though they called themselves internationalists), making it distinct.
All of these forms of nationalism usually crash against the concept of internationalism, but the French school tends to be the one most compatible with internationalism whereas the German school is the least compatible.
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