Have you ever felt that rush of emotion when a political leader gives a fiery speech during elections, or when your national team scores the winning goal? Maybe you’ve seen crowds coming together to cheer for their country’s army, waving flags with pride. Ever stopped to wonder why these moments stir such strong feelings in some of us, while others might not feel the same way at all? It’s pretty fascinating when you think about it, isn’t it?
In today’s world, where political opinions are growing more divided and global identities are constantly changing, words like ‘nationalism’ and ‘patriotism’ tend to spark strong emotions—and plenty of heated debates. Even though people often use these terms as if they mean the same thing, they actually reflect two very different ways of showing love for one’s country. Both come from a sense of national pride, but how that pride is expressed can look—and feel—very different.
These ideas play a big role in politics, influencing government policies, affecting elections, and shaping public discussions. Socially, they impact how communities live together, how people interact with the government, and how they see both their own country and the rest of the world.
People have debated for ages about whether nationalism or patriotism matters more, and honestly, even after all this time, there’s still no clear answer. I’m still figuring it out myself. Some view nationalism as a bit too aggressive, while others see patriotism as something every citizen needs to feel proud of and connected to their country.
But what do these ideas really mean for everyday people like you and me? When so many are still struggling with things like hunger, poverty, or malnutrition, do big concepts like nationalism or patriotism actually make a difference? Or maybe—just maybe—these real-life issues are what truly define a nation’s progress, and they’re what we should be focusing on first.
Nationalism is one of those ideas that can go either way—it can bring people together in a positive way, or it can turn aggressive and divisive. At its core, nationalism is the belief that your country should always come first, above everything else. And while that can sometimes lead to unity and pride, it can also have some pretty harmful consequences if taken too far.
Think about it like this—when a U.S. president says “Make America Great Again,” or when China rolls out its “One Belt, One Road” project, they’re really just putting their country’s interests first. Even India’s “Make in India” campaign, which aims to grow the economy and create more local jobs, is a kind of nationalism too, just one that works within a democratic setup.
It’s totally natural for countries to want to grow stronger, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, that drive for power can cross a line, especially when stronger nations start taking advantage of weaker ones just to stay ahead. Take China, for example. It’s seen massive growth over the years and has become a major rival to the U.S. on the global stage.
But all that success has come with a price. In China’s case, it’s meant a super overworked population, limited freedom of speech, and using debt to gain control over smaller countries’ assets when they can’t pay up. Sadly, nationalism can sometimes take a rough turn when certain groups start forcing their views on others, whether it’s within their own country or beyond.
One recent and deeply disturbing example of how extreme ideologies can turn violent was a terror attack in India. On April 22nd, three militants from Pakistan targeted a well-known tourist spot in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Tragically, 27 innocent visitors lost their lives. What made the incident even more horrifying was the attackers’ demand that tourists recite the Kalma (an Islamic declaration of faith), and those who couldn’t were brutally killed. It was indeed heartbreaking thinking about how dangerous things can get when beliefs are twisted into violence.
The recent political unrest in Bangladesh is a good example of how nationalism, if left unchecked, can take a dangerous turn. In this case, rising radicalisation played a big part in the tensions that eventually led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Nationalism can get especially troubling when it turns aggressive, it often ends up targeting minority communities. Sadly, during times of political instability, there have been reports of violence and rape against minorities like Bangladeshi Hindus, including deeply disturbing cases of assault and even killings.
When a country gets really focused on nationalism, it often starts pouring more money into its military and taking a stronger stand in global politics, basically trying to show who’s boss and protect its interests. But that kind of power play can make neighbouring countries nervous, and they might start building up their own defences too. Before you know it, it turns into an arms race, and things can get pretty tense, even risky.
When nationalism goes too far, it often shows up in the form of countries trying to protect their own businesses by slapping high taxes (called tariffs) on products from other countries. At first, this might look like it’s helping local jobs and industries, but in reality, it usually backfires. Other countries hit back with their own tariffs, and soon you’re stuck in a “trade war” where everyone loses.
A good example is when U.S. President Donald Trump introduced trade tariffs on countries like China and Russia. While it may have seemed like a win for American businesses, it ended up shaking the global economy and hurting international trade overall.
Similarly, Vladimir Putin used strong nationalist language to justify the invasion of Ukraine, talking about restoring historic Russian borders and protecting “Russians” living outside the country. But what was presented as a move to defend national pride quickly turned into a major humanitarian crisis, forcing millions of people to flee their homes.
We’ve talked a lot about the downsides of extreme nationalism, but it’s not all negative—there’s a positive side too. Nationalism can actually bring people together. It can create a sense of unity, boost pride in your country, and get everyone working toward a common goal. In a good way, it helps build a shared identity, even among people from different backgrounds—whether they speak different languages, follow different religions, or come from different cultures. It’s about feeling connected through shared history, values, and dreams for the future.
A healthy dose of nationalism can actually do a lot of good. It can motivate people to come together and work toward their country’s growth, whether that’s through building better infrastructure, supporting the economy, pushing scientific research, or improving education. Many developing countries have tapped into this positive national spirit to get people behind big development projects, and it’s made a real difference.
Just think of how post-colonial nations started building their own industries and institutions from scratch. When people feel a strong connection to their country, they’re more likely to take part in democracy, follow the rules, pay their taxes, and help out in their communities. That sense of shared responsibility is what keeps a democracy running smoothly.
A shared sense of national pride can really inspire people to do amazing things—whether it’s in sports, the arts, science, or technology. It brings out the best in individuals and groups, and when they succeed, it puts their country in the spotlight. Think about the excitement when athletes bring home Olympic medals or when scientists make a groundbreaking discovery—those moments of national pride are great examples of how positive nationalism can unite and uplift a nation.
After exploring the different sides of nationalism, one thing’s clear—it’s really all about ideology. Sure, politics plays a big role in shaping nationalism, but it’s not just about politicians or policies. Even a child can feel proud of their country without knowing much about politics. Like most big ideas, nationalism has both good and bad sides, so we can’t just look at the negatives. History shows us that nationalism has actually helped many countries, especially in the last century.
Think about how so many nations gained independence from British rule because people came together with a strong sense of national pride. At its best, nationalism is just another word for patriotism. It’s about loving your country, wanting it to grow, and working toward its success, but not at the cost of harming or overpowering others. When it’s rooted in unity and shared identity, it becomes a powerful force for bringing people together and moving a country forward.
Patriotism is one of those powerful feelings that really comes from the heart. It’s that pride you feel for your country, whether you were born there or chose to make it your home. It’s about feeling connected to the culture, the history, and the values that make your country what it is. You see it in simple things, like singing the national anthem or standing up for what your country believes in when times get tough. At the end of the day, patriotism is just about loving where you’re from and wanting the best for it.
Patriotism is so much more than just waving a flag or cheering during national holidays. Real patriotism shows up when people step up for their country, especially during tough times like war, a pandemic, or a natural disaster. It’s a kind of love and commitment that comes from deep within, not something you can be taught in a textbook. And here’s the thing – you don’t even have to live in your home country to be a patriot. You can still feel that connection no matter where you are. Maybe you’re working abroad and cheering on your national team, or using your skills to learn new technologies and help your country grow from afar. That’s patriotism, too.
Patriotism is a powerful force that can really bring people together, especially during tough times. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a war, or a health crisis like a pandemic, people often unite through their shared identity and support each other in amazing ways. We saw this in India after the heartbreaking terrorist attack in Pahalgam, when the entire country stood together and backed the army during “Operation Sindoor.” Moments like these show how strong and unifying true patriotism can be.
We saw that same kind of patriotic spirit when the American astronauts ended up stuck on the International Space Station for nine months. People back home were cheering them on the whole time, sending love, support, and hoping for their safe return. That kind of nationwide concern showed just how strong the bond can be between a country and its people. It’s a great example of how patriotism can mean simply caring for your own, no matter where they are.
Patriotic people often play a big part in keeping a country strong; they’re more likely to vote, pay their taxes, follow the rules, and even help out in their communities. When it’s based on responsibility and care, patriotism can really support democracy. But it’s not always perfect. Sometimes, people get so caught up in loyalty to their country or leaders that they stop asking questions. They might ignore problems or cover up mistakes just because they support a certain side. And when patriotism goes overboard, it can make people focus only on their own country and forget about bigger global issues, like climate change, refugee crises, or humanitarian problems that affect everyone.
Loving your country shouldn’t require hating someone else’s. It shouldn’t mean silencing critics or drawing imaginary lines between “real citizens” and “outsiders.”
So next time someone says, “If you really love this country, you’ll never criticise it” — ask them:
“If you really love something, wouldn’t you want it to grow?”
Let’s choose love over fear, truth over comfort, and humanity over identity.
[Just a heads-up — everything shared here is based on the author’s personal views and experiences.]
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Discover the heroes who put humanity above ego. Grab your copy today.
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What a terrific and thought-provoking post, Deepak! I always maintain that we are all citizens of Earth and children of God (in whatever form your God takes). I just don’t understand the greed and hunger for power that causes so much pain and suffering in the world.
Peace to you my friend! 🕊️
Well said! Michelle, Nowadays people have forgotten the positive aspects of Nationalism. They are using it for gaining more power at any cost. As you said, "We all are citizens of earth" but some greedy ones want to rule the earth and want to be an emperor. But we should hope for peace throughout the world and work together for the betterment of mother earth.
Joshi, I appreciate your nuanced treatment of the subject of nationalism/patriotism. I totally agree with your conclusions that patriotism is about loving your country, not about hating other countries. Countries need to cooperate in solving global problems such as pandemics or climate change.
In a democracy, free speech is a fundamental right, and no one has the right to silence criticism or forbid protests of government policies or its leaders. That is autocracy.
Indeed, Everyone loves their country but hating others in the name of Nationalism shows dominance and aggressions towards weak ones. Those who are equally powerful can fight with them in the name of war but weak ones suffer the most. Today everyone is busy on expansion rather than focusing on basic issues like pandemic or climate change.
Thank you Cheryl, I am glad you find this post informative,.
Deepak...
Thank you, Deepak, for the excellent post! We might wish that the world was one family, but it might never be possible, taking into account the history of mankind.
Joanna
Thank you for your thoughtful comment! It's true that history presents many challenges to the idea of a global family. We can just hope that the idea of one earth one family becomes true and every living organism can live with peace.
While you did a solid job pulling in global examples (Trump, China, Putin, etc.), I couldn’t help but notice the absence of… well, India. 😅 Kinda ironic. Mob lynchings over beef, attacks on journalists, or even how dissent is sometimes mistaken for being “anti-national.” These are uncomfortable realities all over the world. And I also thought of that during recent refugee debates in Europe or even the US-Mexico border crisis. totally agree though patriotism isn’t always about waving a flag.
I appreciate your concern Davar, and I get where you're coming from. But just to clarify, my article was on exploring nationalism, not to spotlight religious divisions. Incidents like mob lynchings, which, while tragic and absolutely condemnable, aren't the core of this discussion. Nationalism has many layers. Operation Sindoor is a recent and powerful example of how nationalism unite people. That’s really the kind of nationalism I wanted to highlight here.
And sure, no country is perfect. Appreciate your input, though.
C'mon brother, nationalism doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s easy to talk about unity when you selectively showcase the good and past the scary truths that exist right there at home. What about the the bulldozer politics? or incidents like the man being assaulted for not chanting slogans, it’s becoming disturbingly normalized. No country is perfect, I agree. But if we’re going to talk about nationalism’s, maybe try peeling back all of them next time not just selectives.
Hi Devar,
I completely agree with your point that nationalism cannot exist in a vacuum. However, you need to understand that the examples you provided were instances of communal violence, which aren't solely caused by nationalist identity.
To clarify, consider the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. Despite the targeting of people from a particular religious majority and significant negative commentary, wrongful article circulation, and media attempts to exploit the situation, there were no major reports of violence following the incident. This, in my opinion, highlights India's non-violent nature, rooted in its nationalism, and a collective desire to uphold that identity.
Of course, we can find numerous examples of violence against specific communities where extremist ideologies exist on both sides, and equally, cases where it seems to be one-sided. But as responsible nationalists, we shouldn't attribute such condemnable acts, driven by communalism and politics, to nationalist ideology itself.
The country will experience growth when nationalist identity takes precedence over religious identity.
You say the examples I gave are communal violence, not nationalism. But when that violence is carried out in the name of the nation, or under the excuse of “protecting national identity, ” what else would you call it? Don't be double-sided, my brother. Try to think from other's perspective too. Also framing non-retaliation as a national virtue while ignoring the state’s silence on other hate-driven violence is a selective morality than national pride.
And “responsible nationalists”? If that’s meant to describe the ones who stay quiet while minorities get labeled anti-national, then maybe it’s not responsibility, it’s complicity. National identity over religious identity sounds noble on paper. But in practice, when “national identity” is subtly coded to favor one religion, one culture, or one ideology, you’ve just renamed the problem, not solved it. Just calling it like I see it.
Nationalism means putting your nation first and spreading your dominance throughout the world. The thing you mentioned regarding the bulldozer act is based on illegal immigrants and criminals harming the nation's integrity. Yes we lost 27 innocent lives after they failed to chant some slogan which is very disheartening. As I said earlier nationalism has both pros and cons we can't and we should look towards positive aspects to bring peace in the region.
Davar, I apologize, but I feel like I'm speaking to someone driven by hate. Joshi's post clearly states that people are being silenced in the name of nationalism, and that this practice doesn't define true nationalism. When someone is so driven by hate that they can't understand what's written or find the positive aspects of a situation, no one can make them understand. Thank you for your considerate reply, despite not understanding the post.
Labelling the argument as 'hate' is so convenient. Trust me, I understood the post just fine. I just didn’t buy into its selective optimism and selective storytelling as convincing as you hoped.. If calling that out bothers you, maybe it’s not me who’s driven by emotion. But sure, if calling labeling it “hate” helps you stay in denial, I get it. Must be exhausting defending an idea that collapses every time it meets reality.
Joshi has explained the current geopolitical situation very crisply: we cannot, in the name of nationalism, silence people from asking the right questions for the growth of humanity as a whole.
That's a powerful and important point. Silencing questions, even in the name of nationalism, can hinder the progress of all of humanity. We should take a path of open dialogue and transparency. Aggression and dominance is not the solution to bring peace in the region.
This is such an amazing and thought provoking post.
Great job. ✨
I'm glad that you find this post informative. Nationalism and Patriotism works together for the betterment of people. we are children of earth and should take nationalism and patriotism positively to bring peace.
Great post, Deepak. This is such an interesting point, "But sometimes, that drive for power can cross a line, especially when stronger nations start taking advantage of weaker ones just to stay ahead." So many great points about what to celebrate and what to watch for. Thank you!
That's a fantastic point. It's so true that the line between ambition and exploitation can be thin. Balancing a nation's own interests with global responsibility is a huge challenge. Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful comment!
A lot to chew on with this post, Deepak. There is nothing inherently wrong with having nationalistic pride, but it can be a slippery slope. Ignorant people fail to consider the greater global good. Their nationalistic pride morphs into "us against them," instead of "we're all in this together." The Make America Great Again slogan has become part of what I see as lazy and even hurtful attitudes. What started as wanting to prevent undocumented people from coming into the country is changing into a mentality of fearing your neighbor, especially those with different colors and customs. It makes me sad; we're better than this!
You've brought up some really important points. It's true that while national pride can be a good thing, it can also quickly become a problem. When it turns into an "us against them" mindset, it can lead to fear and division, which is a big concern. Seeing people become fearful of their neighbors, especially those from different backgrounds, is disheartening. It feels like we're moving away from the idea that we're all in this together.
I agree with others who've already highlighted this in your post - so on point and powerful:
"But sometimes, that drive for power can cross a line, especially when stronger nations start taking advantage of weaker ones just to stay ahead."
It says so much about the current malaise and destructiveness in the U.S. and I know I'm not alone in my feelings. Your discussion about the differences and relative merits of nationalism vs. patriotism is terrific. Well done - and useful instruction and insight. Thank you, Deepak! 💕
Thank you for your insightful comment.You have brought up some great points, suppressing weaker ones isn't a part of bravery. Trump's Nation first policy cab be good for America but there are various small nations still depends on USA and the funds granted by them. Today not only Trump but every powerful nation should try to bring peace rather than profit booking.
Agree!! Thank you, Deepak! ❤️
Although I do not agree with some things in your article, I commend your insight and bravery to explain the concepts. Thank you!
I'm glad you found the concepts insightful. I would love to know your concerns, feel free to share. Thank you.
I like reading your interesting and thought provoking article but personally I HAVE to comment that my faith in a SAVIOUR who came from Heaven and went back HOME though I love my country and all the peoples of this vast world, ETERNITY is my focus as I age, and politics and nationalism intermingle into a blur as I believe the enemy of souls keeps stirring up the pot. Kindness, Peace, Love, and bubbles of unexpected Joy as I search for Beauty each Day. In every country of this world there are sparks of beauty if eyes keep looking. Good Morning ALL!
That's a beautiful and insightful comment. It's wonderful that you find joy and beauty in the world, even while keeping your focus on what you believe to be eternal. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Interesting read, Deepak, but I gotta say, Trump’s tariff policies ain't extreme nationalism. The goal wasn’t isolationism, it was rebalancing a global trade system that’s been stacked against American workers for decades. China's been playing dirty by dumping markets with artificially cheap goods, manipulating its currency, and violating intellectual property laws, yet when the U.S. finally pushed back with tariffs, why it suddenly became "dangerous nationalism"? We Americans have rights to protect its own interests. Europe has its subsidies. China uses state-owned enterprises. We saw more manufacturing jobs coming back, the trade deficit started shrinking. Putting your own economy first ain’t some crazy nationalist move, I think it’s just good leadership.
I agree with your concern Jeffrey, and i have mention also that every country wants to grow thier nation. America is a super power and a small gesture by the president impact the global economy. Trump is doing great for america and he should do but at the same time his continously changing statements disturb the global market. The powerful nations like china can bear the losses but underdeveloping nations still dependent on the dollar dominance. I have also mentioned regarding china' debt trap policy which shows extreme nationalism. Nationalism also has positive aspects like as you said putting your economy first but at the same time you can't hurt the global economy and without thinking about climate change etc. Its my personal opinion that americans have right to grow and protecting their own interst but you cant just hurt the sentiments of global leaders and economy by your changing statements regarding tarrifs global trade. After all world has eye on american president and his daily dialogue.
This really hit home for me. I’ve been circling around this for a while – trying to figure out where I personally draw the line between honest pride and the kind of nationalism that makes me… uneasy. It’s not that simple, is it? I’ve felt that rush when my team wins, or when a speech stirs something in me. But then I pause and wonder – wait, what exactly am I clapping for? Is it unity? Or is it exclusion dressed up as pride?
What I really appreciate here is that you didn’t go for the easy take – no “this is good, that’s bad” – but instead showed how murky the middle actually is. The part about people living abroad and still feeling that deep connection? That one got me. I’ve been there. Feeling strangely protective of a country, while also being one of its loudest critics.
And that line – “Loving your country shouldn’t require hating someone else’s” – yeah, that stuck.
Thanks for writing something that didn’t try to wrap it all up with a neat little bow. We need more of that. More honesty, fewer slogans.
I’m glad I read this. Even if I walked away with more questions than answers. Then again… maybe that’s the whole point.
It's great to hear how much this resonated with you. You've really captured that complex feeling between pride and nationalism, and the struggle to know what you're truly supporting.
That push and pull of being both protective and critical of your country is so common, especially for those who've lived abroad. It highlights the deep, often complicated, connection we have to our homelands.
And yes, Loving your country shouldn’t require hating someone else’s is key. It's about ensuring pride doesn't become exclusion.
Sometimes, leaving with more questions is the point it keeps the conversation going. Thanks for sharing your insights