Nationalism and patriotism are often used synonymously.
At the same time both terms invoke negative associations albeit to varying degrees.
At this point however should not be distinguished simply by the definition but by the advantages and disadvantages.
It is undisputed that nationalism and patriotism have negative consequences. And of course the negative excesses of nationalism and patriotism are to be rejected. However both do not exist solely as a plague. The idea behind it has positive aspects as well and can be useful.
Nation states are still comparatively new to humans. The Neanderthals and Homo Erectus have still lived in small tribes. In such communities one was related to a small but already significant part. And the remaining people were direct friends or had a contact through other friends. There were hardly any strangers in the entire tribe.
In contrast there are nation states that are larger than 10,000 or 100,000 square kilometers and in which millions of people live. In nation states of this size it is unlikely to even know more than 1,000 square kilometers of this area. And is it impossible to get to know even 1% of these people.
Nation states therefore aren't tribes and tribes aren't nations. Nationalism or patriotism are therefore not tribalism but can be an alliance. And in this alliance people can work for other places and for other people without knowing them.
It is undisputed that nationalism and patriotism have negative consequences. And of course the negative excesses of nationalism and patriotism are to be rejected. However both do not exist solely as a plague. The idea behind it has positive aspects as well and can be useful.
Nation states are still comparatively new to humans. The Neanderthals and Homo Erectus have still lived in small tribes. In such communities one was related to a small but already significant part. And the remaining people were direct friends or had a contact through other friends. There were hardly any strangers in the entire tribe.
In contrast there are nation states that are larger than 10,000 or 100,000 square kilometers and in which millions of people live. In nation states of this size it is unlikely to even know more than 1,000 square kilometers of this area. And is it impossible to get to know even 1% of these people.
Nation states therefore aren't tribes and tribes aren't nations. Nationalism or patriotism are therefore not tribalism but can be an alliance. And in this alliance people can work for other places and for other people without knowing them.
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