In a time of extreme polarization and division, it is important to distinguish between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is rooted in a love of one’s country and the ideas shared by its people. At its best, patriotism means people taking pride in fulfilling the best ideas and promises of the country in which they live. Patriotism in the United States means taking pride in creating a government that can hold all of us. Patriotism is taking pride and sharing a collective identity by living out fulfilling the promises of the Constitution together as “We the people.”
Nationalism is exclusionary. Often, nationalism is predicated on highlighting differences across ethnic, racial, religious, socioeconomic, gender, sexual identity, or other personal markers to create in and out groups. Nationalism invites scapegoating.
We differentiate between patriotism and nationalism by deciding whether or not the shared feeling leads to democratic action or precludes it. The table below provides ways to decide whether ideas, speech, or action falls into the category of patriotism or nationalism in a democracy.
CHECKLIST: IS IT PATRIOTISM OR NATIONALISM?
| PATRIOTISM | NATIONALISM |
| Does the sense of pride expressed celebrate something accomplished together? | Does the sense of pride come from group identities beyond someone’s control (inclusion in a racial or ethnic group? |
| Does the community created by speeches or actions in question make space for more people? | Does the community created by speeches or actions in question take away space or resources for a group or groups of people? |
| Are people who have different ideas allowed to be proud of their country? | Does this preclude people from being part of or proud of their country based on their ideas? |
| Is it focused on imagining the future? | Is it focused on returning to a time in the past? |
| Is it focused on happiness? Togetherness? | Is it focused on anger and fear? Otherness? |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Joshua Holzer, “What is the Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism” The Conversation, June 28, 2023. https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-difference-between-nationalism-and-patriotism-208170
Derek W.M. Barker, “Reclaiming Patriotism: Between Nationalism and Patriotism.” Kettering Foundation, May 21, 2026. https://kettering.org/reclaiming-patriotism-between-nationalism-and-pessimism/
Patriotism vs Nationalism: The New American Challenge https://www.econclub.org/meeting/patriotism-vs-nationalism-the-new-american-challenge/