Patriotism vs. Nationalism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Patriotism is love for one's country; Nationalism emphasizes superiority and often a disregard for other nations.
Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Patriotism is a feeling of pride, love, and devotion to one's country. It involves cherishing the values and history of one's homeland and celebrating its achievements. Nationalism, on the other hand, involves a deep-seated belief in the superiority of one's nation above others. It's not just pride in where one comes from but a conviction that one's nation is superior.
Patriotism does not inherently devalue other countries or cultures. A patriot can love their country and still respect and appreciate other nations. Nationalism can, however, take a more aggressive stance, often viewing other countries as threats or competitors, and prioritizing national interests over international cooperation.
Patriotism can be seen as a unifying force, rallying people around shared values and a common history. It is often associated with positive feelings and commemorations. Nationalism might divide as much as it unites, by distinguishing "us" from "them" and emphasizing the differences between one's own nation and others.
For many, Patriotism is about appreciation. It's like loving your family without thinking they are superior to all others. Nationalism leans into comparison, often championing the idea that one's own nation is better, and sometimes at the expense of others.
In essence, while Patriotism centers around love and respect for one's country, Nationalism is a belief in its dominance and superiority.
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Comparison Chart
Core Emotion
Love for one's country
Belief in superiority of one's nation
Relation to Others
Respects other nations
Often disregards other nations
Foundation
Shared values/history
National dominance
Potential Outcome
Unity
Division
Stance
Defensive
Aggressive
Compare with Definitions
Patriotism
A deep affection and commitment to one's country.
Her patriotism was evident in her dedicated community service.
Nationalism
A political ideology prioritizing national identity and sovereignty.
The rise in nationalism led to more restrictive immigration policies.
Patriotism
A sense of belonging and identity tied to one's homeland.
Her patriotism was reflected in her passion for local traditions and customs.
Nationalism
A strong identification with one's nation, often excluding others.
Her nationalism made her skeptical of foreign influences and ideas.
Patriotism
Pride in the history, culture, and achievements of one's nation.
He displayed his patriotism by celebrating national holidays with fervor.
Nationalism
Advocacy for the promotion of one's nation's culture and interests.
The movement's nationalism was evident in its push for native language education.
Patriotism
Loyalty and allegiance to one's nation.
In times of crisis, his patriotism shone as he stood by his fellow citizens.
Nationalism
A belief in the superiority and interests of one's nation above others.
His nationalism prevented him from seeing the merits of international cooperation.
Patriotism
Celebrating the positive aspects of one's country without disparaging others.
Their patriotism was inclusive, embracing both their heritage and a respect for other cultures.
Nationalism
Nationalism is an idea and movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the state. As a movement, nationalism tends to promote the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people), especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its homeland.
Patriotism
Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to a homeland or the country and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment to create a feeling of oneness among the people. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one's own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
Nationalism
Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations
Their nationalism is tempered by a desire to join the European Union
Patriotism
The quality of being patriotic; devotion to and vigorous support for one's country
A highly decorated officer of unquestionable integrity and patriotism
Nationalism
Devotion, especially excessive or undiscriminating devotion, to the interests or culture of a particular nation-state.
Patriotism
Love of and devotion to one's country.
Nationalism
The belief that nations will benefit from acting independently rather than collectively, emphasizing national rather than international goals.
Patriotism
Love of one's country; devotion to the welfare of one's compatriots; passion which inspires one to serve one's country.
Nationalism
The belief that a particular cultural or ethnic group constitutes a distinct people deserving of political self-determination.
Patriotism
The actions of a patriot
Nationalism
Patriotism; the idea of supporting one's country, people or culture.
Patriotism
The desire to compete with other nations; nationalism.
Nationalism
Support for the creation of a sovereign nation (which does not currently exist).
Basque nationalism
Kurdish nationalism
Patriotism
Love of country; devotion to the welfare of one's country; the virtues and actions of a patriot; the passion which inspires one to serve one's country.
Nationalism
Support for the union of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Patriotism
Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
Nationalism
The state of being national; national attachment; nationality.
Nationalism
An idiom, trait, or character peculiar to any nation.
Nationalism
National independence; the principles of the Nationalists.
Nationalism
A devotion to one's country; patriotism;
Nationalism
The policy of advocating the independence of one's country.
Nationalism
The policy of advocating the interests of one's own country exclusively, regardless of effects of a country's actions on other countries.
Nationalism
Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
Nationalism
The doctrine that several different cultures (rather than one national culture) can co-exist peacefully and equitably in a single country
Nationalism
The aspiration for national independence felt by people under foreign domination
Nationalism
The doctrine that nations should act independently (rather than collectively) to attain their goals
Nationalism
A sentiment that can lead to a sense of superiority and disregard for other nations.
Extreme nationalism can blind people to the value of global unity and understanding.
Common Curiosities
Is Nationalism always negative?
Not necessarily, but extreme Nationalism can lead to division and conflicts with other nations.
What is the primary emotion behind Patriotism?
Patriotism is primarily driven by love and pride for one's country.
Can you be a patriot without being a nationalist?
Yes, you can love and be proud of your country (Patriotism) without believing it's superior to others (Nationalism).
Can Nationalism lead to exclusionary policies?
Yes, strong Nationalism can sometimes result in policies that exclude or diminish outsiders.
Can you have Patriotism in a multicultural society?
Absolutely. Patriotism in a multicultural society can mean pride in the country's diversity and shared values.
How does Nationalism differ from Patriotism?
Nationalism emphasizes the superiority and often a disregard for other nations, whereas Patriotism is love for one's country.
Can Nationalism be based on shared ethnicity or culture?
Yes, Nationalism can be based on shared ethnicity, culture, language, or other unifying factors.
How can Nationalism affect international relations?
Nationalism can sometimes prioritize national interests over global cooperation, potentially straining international relations.
How has the concept of Nationalism evolved over time?
Nationalism has evolved, with its expression and intensity varying across periods, often influenced by political, social, and economic factors.
Does Patriotism involve criticism of one's country?
Patriotism allows for constructive criticism; loving one's country doesn't mean overlooking its flaws.
Does Patriotism require agreement with all governmental decisions?
No, one can be patriotic and still disagree with certain governmental policies or actions.
Is Patriotism tied to military service?
Not exclusively. While many associate Patriotism with defense and military service, it encompasses broader love and pride for one's country.
Is Nationalism tied to a specific political ideology?
No, Nationalism can manifest across various political ideologies, though its expression may differ.
Is Patriotism only expressed through symbols like flags?
No, while flags and symbols are common expressions, Patriotism can also be expressed through actions, values, and shared histories.
Can Patriotism and Nationalism coexist in an individual?
Yes, an individual can possess both patriotic feelings and nationalist beliefs, though the balance and expression of these may vary.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
