Nationalism: Our Country’s Quiet Threat

“The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility, but the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to war” – Sydney J. Harris

Hardly two months after the deadly attack on the Capitol, Harris’ words should prompt some soul-searching among the millions of voters who wish intensely for a promising future in the country they love.

Throughout the political campaigns and tenures in American history, no matter the party or individual seeking a high office, there has always been a quiet, lesser-known threat hiding in politicians’ rhetoric: Nationalism. The line that divides unifying patriotism and dangerous nationalism can often be blurred, with subtle language sitting hidden within long remarks or speeches. As new generations rise up to lead their respective nations, they have a duty to avoid using rhetoric that inflames rather than inspires. Language that exalts one nation over others can come in many forms. It can be implicit, existing as a wolf dressed in sheep’s language; or explicit, like off-putting remarks that foster a sense of national superiority amongst those who can take them to heart.

“We are the sole remaining superpower, and we should be that! But we have a certain disproportionate responsibility” – President George H. W. Bush [said in a 1992 presidential debate, following collapse of Soviet Union]

A statement such as Bush’s can always be interpreted differently, as an individual’s opinion on the US’s foreign relations issues plays a large role in their political perspectives. It must also be considered that in times such as the Cold War, fears of further aggressions were high. 

However, with temperatures running cooler in regards to war, it’s concerning that our current political scene has placed even more emphasis on nationalism.

“A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well… not caring about our country so much… We can’t have that! You know they have a word—it sort of became old fashioned—called a nationalist… We’re not supposed to use that word. You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, okay?”

– President Donald Trump

Explicitly calling oneself a nationalist aside, we all have to be individual judges of what political rhetoric crosses the line and what is acceptably patriotic. However, the danger of nationalism itself, which transcends traditional patriotism one has for their country, is clear.  It promotes a sense of toxic pride 

in a country that has its faults alongside its triumphs. The love we have for our nation is complex and not unconditional. Unconditional affection does little to unite, nor address the issues we face; love for a nation is best shown by actively identifying and working to solve our problems. Nationalistic language fosters an attitude that is uncooperative on the global stage—and with the climate crisis requiring all hands on deck, it is an attitude that we cannot afford. French President Emmanuel Macron said it best at the World War I Centennial:

“Patriotism is

the exact opposite of nationalism: nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism…By pursuing our own interests first, with no regard to others’, we erase the very thing that a nation holds most precious…: its moral values.”