What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?

[Intro rewritten and readings added.]

I’ve done this topic or versions of it with other groups in years past. They examined different definitions and components of patriotism and nationalism and compared/contrasted differences. They were good meetings, full of nuance and differing POVs. (Although IMO nobody could ever beat the quote I always would start off with: “Patriotism is loving your country for what it does; nationalism is loving it for what it is.” The credal nationalism of liberal, inclusive political and social values versus old-fashioned blood and soil and enemy-focused nationalism.)

That won’t do anymore. In less than a year, President Trump and his govt have fused patriotism to a new (actually centuries-old) version of nationalism. Really, the former has been swallowed by the latter. For the moment at least – and indefinitely unless they are defeated – The U.S. Government seeks to turn our country into a blood and soil, love-it-or-leave-it, White Nationalist herring Volk nation. What we have seen in the last week is the beginning of the foreign policy of this “New American Nationalism, as some (NOT all) conservatives call it. The regional hegemon, expansionist, resource-grabbing phase.

This is the point where I am supposed to say something like, “I’m sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true because…” Forget that. Unlike many liberals, I believe patriotism is healthy and necessary in a democracy, and that nationalisms can be benign.

But what is the point debating the finer points of either when we are playing Game of Thrones foreign policy? To me, here is the point: Only true patriotism can save us. The belief in American values that so many fought for and died to make real and preserve. Since it will require a broad coalition, this “patriotism” MUST be itself broadly defined and inclusive. We have no luxury for ideological purity.
Here are some readings that hopefully will focus you on the bigger picture of what is going on, and how MAGA nationalism is being infused into all aspects of federal policy and into as many pillars of society as they can influence.

Optional Backgrounders –

Public opinion:
- Americans’ pride in country has been eroding for 20+ years. Now it is sharply split along partisan - and generational - lines.
· Being American is not a function of race or white “heritage.” Long but good.

Foreign Policy:

• Must Read: Sum of Trump’s new National Security Strategy. Or this one.
• Venezuela? The war seeks to revivify U.S. imperialism in Latin America. Not some left-wing accusation – Trump, Miller, Rubio say so! Recommended.

MAGA nationalism is not just foreign policy – it’s everywhere.

• A partial list of white nationalism being embedded throughout USG policies.
• Education is being changed to emphasize our past glory and nothing else. Recommended.
• A war on dissent is a major element of the new nationalism.
  · Patriots do not support Trump sending troops into our cities for no reason.

To be fair -
- A conservative argues for a more pro-American, more assertive, more conservative nationalism.

• Liberals should embrace patriotism! Recommended.