TL;DR National patriotism is more dangerous as it quite often becomes more similar to nationalism, where people think their country / culture / language is superior to others.

Very limited patriotism can be fun and celebrated, for example cheering on your own country during the Olympic games. However, very often patriotism becomes extreme and blurs the line with nationalism. This results in dangerous political repercussions (recent examples include Brexit and the presidency of Donald Trump).

In a fourth of July speech delivered by Trump, he stated that the American Republic was the ‘greatest, most exceptional, and most virtuous nation in the history of the world.’ This was a self-righteous claim which encouraged the notion that one nation is greater to another. It is arrogant and unsafe.

I also believe that Brexit was so popular as it was bred from the ideologies of English nationalism. The slogan of Brexit was ‘Take Control’ which illustrated the false idea that Britain was enslaved to the powers of the EU. This nationalism was based upon the thought that Britain should stand on its own, almost as if we are too good to have to work with and depend on other countries. This nationalistic concept can also be traced throughout British history; the English fighting against the Spanish Armada and then later on Adolf Hitler, these events enhanced the mythology that we are able to ‘stand alone.’

These nationalist beliefs are dangerous because they act as a threat against international co-operation. It isolates nations and promotes egotistical attitudes that act as a danger to political and economic progressions.

WORKS CITED:

Adams Ella, ‘Opinion: Nationalism is dangerous’ (16 October 2020), https://theappalachianonline.com/opinion-nationalism-is-dangerous/

O’Toole Fintan, ‘Brexit is driven in English nationalism. And it will end in self-rule’ (19 June 2016), https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/england-eu-referendum-brexit

TL:DR - I think that many people confuse 'patriotism' with 'nationalism', and this is one of the most troubling problems today. Patriotism is related to the concept of devotion rather than precarious notions of superiority over other nations, so patriotism can be beneficial.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, patriotism comes from the Greek word for 'father', and while it precedes the idea of 'nationalism', it has always been confused with nationalism, which has negative connotations of aggressive militarism, superiority, and power.

Patriotism is defined by the Webster dictionary as 'love for or devotion to one’s country', and not the 'nation', which is the definition of nationalism. Patriotism means being proud of one's country (history, culture, people, tradition, etc.), which I believe can boost the sense of community and belonging, something that is severely lacking these days.

The fact that you are proud of your country does not mean that you automatically think other countries are inferior. It means that you feel the idea of country and home, and an inherent desire to be a devoted citizen and be there for the good of the country.

As Nikhil Sanjay Bhalekar says, patriotism 'is not about blindly following the beliefs and cultural values of the country', but be there for one's country. The idea of Brexit, for example, is not something that relies on the idea of 'patriotism', but the superiority of one's own nation over others and the need to assume more power.

Works Cited

'The Difference Between "Patriotism" and "Nationalism"', in Merriam-Webster Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/patriotism-vs-nationalism [accessed 16 February 2021].

Bhalekar, Nikhil Sanjay, 'Why is it important to be patriotic to your own country?' (2016) https://www.quora.com/Why-is-it-important-to-be-patriotic-to-your-own-country [accessed 16 February 2021].

I definitely agree with this! It can be good to be proud of your country, but when this patriotism oversteps the line into xenophobia, it becomes a huge problem.Today, some people will use patriotism as an excuse for being outright xenophobic.

TL;DR In the modern age, Nationalism and patriotism have become too indistinguishable. Too much of this sentiment can lead to isolationism and internal division at a time when Globalism and international unity is needed most. Brexit is a key example of this.

I acknowledge the differences between ‘Patriotism’, as ‘love for your country and loyalty towards it’ and ‘Nationalism’, as ‘the belief that a particular nation is better than other(s)’, but I maintain that it is difficult and perhaps problematic to see no potential crossover between the two. After all, there is a reason that Collins Dictionary, among others, lists each as a synonym of the other.

Patriotism can be innocent and beneficial, like supporting your country’s sports teams or celebrating national holidays. This can create a sense of national unity and boost tourism. However, the dangers of national patriotism outweigh these positive aspects.

During Brexit, Nationalist sentiment circulated under the guise of patriotism, concerning the need to ‘take back control’, regain British independence and rediscover our national identity’ as if the internationalist-style European Union had taken this away from us. The obsession with distinctly English patriotism, seen by the Brexiteers’ common use of the St. George’s flag and rhetoric of England ‘standing alone’ against Nazi Germany, also uprooted divisions between the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Ultimately, if this patriotic mentality guides our political decision-making, we may be making ill-informed choices, for the wrong reasons. National patriotism can so easily fixate us on inward-looking, isolationist thinking – to the detriment of us and other countries. Globalism and the rise of international issues like terrorism, climate change and immigration require us to think of the greater global good instead of just the ‘greater nation’. In the twentieth-century, this could unite us more than patriotism ever could.

WORKS CITED:

Collins Dictionary, 'Patriotism Definition', https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/patriotism

Collins Dictionary, 'Nationalism Definition', https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/nationalism

Ringeisen-Biardeaud, Juliette, '"Let's Take Back Control": Brexit and the Debate on Sovereignty' (May 2017), https://doi.org/10.4000/rfcb.1319

O’Toole, Fintan, ‘Brexit is driven in English nationalism. And it will end in self-rule’ (June 2016), https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/england-eu-referendum-brexit

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your country and who you are. Do not let nihilists tell you that you aren't allowed to have pride.

Without patriotism Russia would have already gained full control of Ukraine

The impact of national patriotism is complex, with both positive and negative aspects.

For:

Conflict and War: National patriotism can fuel conflicts and wars. Extreme nationalism, where one's country is considered superior to others, often leads to aggression and hostility. Historical examples include World War I and World War II, where nationalist fervor contributed to the outbreak of hostilities​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​.

Exclusion and Intolerance: National patriotism can lead to exclusionary practices and intolerance towards immigrants and minority groups. It can foster xenophobia and racism, creating divisions within societies. Policies driven by strong nationalistic sentiments often prioritize the interests of the dominant group, marginalizing others​ (Discover what the world thinks.)​.

Suppression of Dissent: In highly patriotic societies, dissent and criticism of the government or national policies can be suppressed. Patriotism is sometimes used as a tool to silence opposition and promote conformity, which undermines democratic values and human rights​ (Wikipedia)​.

Global Cooperation: Excessive national patriotism can hinder global cooperation. Issues like climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality require international collaboration. Nationalistic attitudes can obstruct efforts to work together for the common good, as countries may prioritize their own interests over global solutions​ (Participedia)​.

Against:

Unity and Social Cohesion: National patriotism can promote unity and social cohesion within a country. It can foster a sense of belonging and collective identity, which can strengthen societal bonds and encourage civic participation .

Motivation and Sacrifice: Patriotism can motivate individuals to make sacrifices for the greater good. It can inspire people to contribute to national defense, engage in community service, and support public welfare initiatives .

Cultural Preservation: Patriotism can help preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. It can encourage the protection and promotion of national traditions, languages, and historical landmarks, contributing to a sense of pride and continuity .

Economic Benefits: A patriotic populace may be more willing to support local businesses and industries, promoting economic growth and resilience. National pride can drive innovation and productivity as people strive to contribute to their country’s success .

I don't know enough the subject to be sure but I would say that everything, almost, can be dangerous. When something is abuse or too much used, it can become bad. Nationalism or patriotism can be good for a nation or a country. It can also be bad if it's in bad hand. I would use some nationalism for the civilization in my country.