TrustYS, post 23:
“But is not worshiping country or god pretty much doing the same thing. Getting a high from being connected to a "higher power" and some how doing its will etc. even though you are just stroking your own ego.”

From Nyarlathotep’s link:
Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ‘patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality….

I liked Nyarlathotep’s link but I think both that and TrustYS’s post 23 complicate the simple. It is a surer sign of intelligence or intellect to simplify the complex.

I identify Nationalism, religion and ideology as the three causes of human conflict. I cannot identify a modern conflict that doesn’t require one or all of those. There are other bases for tribalism, such as race, class and so forth but most people are only willing to fight for the three I emphasise.

English language has two words for nationalism/patriotism. I don’t know other languages so don’t know how significant that might be, but it is important to note English speakers (English speaking peoples) generally seem to use ‘patriotism’ about the positive and nationalism for what is negative. We could all write essays on the significance of that but Nyarlathotep’s link is as good as any.

I think TrustYS makes an error in trying to link religion and nationalism/patriotism. Better to keep them distinct and acknowledge any parallels only when necessary or to illustrate something helpful. Using the word “worship” about nationalism clarifies nothing as I have never heard of anyone proven to worship a nation (not even the Japanese) nor anyone who sees themselves as doing so. It seems much more true to say religion and nationalism (&/or ideology) form the bases for hostile tribes.

That is how I see nationalism, patriotism, religion and ideology - three distinct bases for tribalism. Tribalism can be used productively sometimes but all should be aware of it as a behaviour.