Patriotism and nationalism can initially look very similar, but it’s important to learn how to see past the outward trappings and tell them apart if we want our country to prosper.
Both patriots and nationalists may choose to fly the flag, cheer on “Team USA” at international sporting events, and express pride in the United States. Both may truly love our country and be loyal to it. But what comes next looks very different.
Patriots reinforce our country’s values and culture and the well-being of its people. Nationalists put what they perceive as the good of the nation – or at least parts of it – ahead of individual rights, meaning that they’re willing to abuse or discriminate against others to advance what they believe is national pride. Patriots encourage freedom of expression, while nationalists attack dissent and internal criticism as un-American.
To tackle the problems facing our country today, we need more patriots and fewer nationalists. Only then can we champion core American values like freedom, justice, liberty, democracy, and human rights and stand up to the undemocratic movements that threaten them.
The dictionary definition of patriotism is “love for and devotion to one’s country,” while nationalism “elevates one nation or nationality above all others,” according to Merriam-Webster.
At the George W. Bush Presidential Center, we’re unapologetic American patriots. We love our country and work every day to strengthen our democracy, ensure opportunity for everyone, and advance free societies.
Patriots look for ways to make our country better and to serve it – to become citizens, not spectators, as President George W. Bush has said.
Patriots ask what we can do for our country, rather than what it can do for us, to paraphrase President John F. Kennedy.
Patriots take pride in our country but demonstrate it by reinforcing a culture of inclusiveness and making sure that none of our people are left behind in times of both prosperity and want.
Patriots can see the inevitable flaws in our nation and work to address them for the betterment of all, not just a handful of privileged citizens, unlike nationalists who believe that our country is always right, no matter what, when they approve of its leadership.
Patriots want to share the blessings of freedom, justice, and democracy with all people at home and in other parts of the world. Nationalists emphasize supremacy, something that can lead to xenophobia and isolationism.
Patriots see people in other countries as partners in the quest for freedom, rather than as populations to be dominated, distanced, demonized, or scapegoated.
Almost 250 years ago, a group of patriots came together to form this great nation. About 85 years later, another group of patriots held it together through the Civil War.
Eighty years after that, hundreds of thousands of American patriots gave their lives during World War II to reject the tyranny of nationalism and global fascism, attempts to stamp out individual liberty. Their patriotism ensured that Americans could continue to live freely.
We need patriots to step up today to reinforce our core American values and pave the way for liberty and prosperity for generations to come.
