Patriotism or Nationalism?

In my late teens I read some essays by Leo Tolstoy (“On Patriotism” and “Patriotism and Government“). I learned that patriotism is a tool the powerful use to control the masses, and that patriotism leads to war. For some time afterward, I was leery of patriotic displays and skeptical of patriotic expression.

Now, of course, I understand that Tolstoy’s writings were influenced by the political and military alliances and tensions of his time, and that at the time I read those essays I was no doubt affected by the growing opposition to the Vietnam War. Since that time I have generally made a distinction between “Patriotism” as a feeling and expression of appreciation and gratitude for one’s homeland, and what I have called “Blind Patriotism” which leads to false doctrines of superiority such as “American Exceptionalism,” and to jingoistic slogans such as “My Country – Right or Wrong” and “America – Love it or Leave it.”

In light of the fascist tendencies of the current President and his supporters (under the banner of “Make America Great Again”), I have found myself wondering again about the role of Patriotism in America and how I would define my own patriotism. Recently I found a helpful essay called “Beware the Blinding Power of Nationalism” by History professor (and retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel) William Astore.

The article quotes George Orwell in making a distinction between “Patriotism” and “Nationalism”. Orwell said that Nationalism “is power-hunger tempered by self-deception. Every nationalist is capable of the most flagrant dishonesty” and is “unshakably certain of being in the right.” Astore contrasts this with the Patriot whom he says “thrives on thought. She is unafraid to face reality as it is; she does not suppress emotions like pity and compassion. True patriotism is critical, open-minded, and defensive.”

Given these definitions, I am happy to declare myself a Patriot; and, also using these definitions, the Trumpistas are clearly Nationalists (!!!).