Only a little over 70 years ago, the world was swept by the Great Patriotic War, but today the followers of the Fuhrer declare their claims to political power. They try, under the guise of nationalists, to get into parliaments and cabinets of ministers, claiming that in reality they are pursuing the interests of the people. So, how are they all the same nationalists different from the Nazis.
What is Nazism and Nationalism
Nazism is the political ideology of National Socialism, in which the socialist structure of society and the state is closely intertwined with extreme nationalist and racist ideas. This ideology makes it possible to assert the superiority of one people over others, as well as justify ethnic wars and racial discrimination. Important attributes of Nazism are the rejection of a market economy, totalitarianism, the introduction of universal military service, an atmosphere of like-mindedness and total intolerance.
Nationalism is a political movement, an important principle of which is considered to be the protection of the nation and the observance of its interests. In this case, the people can be united either according to the principle of "one blood", or according to the principle of "one faith", "one land". Political ideology protects the interests of the nation and at the same time it does not always assert its superiority over other peoples.
What is the difference between Nazism and nationalism
Moderate nationalism makes it possible to identify a social or ethnic group among the rest, to comply with its interests, and to organize fairly effective management. In turn, Nazism is more aggressive, its main plans include the spread of only one biological group, allegedly possessing some superiority over the rest. This ideology claims that the ethnic perfection of one people gives it the "right" to oppress others, including until they are completely destroyed.
Nationalism is more tolerant towards representatives of other peoples. In addition, it can be formed according to a religious (Islamist states) or territorial (United States) principle. Nationalism is not in all cases contrary to the market economy, free thought and freedom of speech. He may well handle constructive criticism. National Socialism is the ideology of a totalitarian state, in which there is no talk of personal freedom of citizens.
In summary, we can say that the difference between Nazism and nationalism is in the following aspects.
Determination of the ethnic group. The ideology of Nazism puts at the forefront only biological origin, and nationalism - also religion, unity of views.
Attitude towards other peoples. Nazism carries the idea of the superiority of one people over others, racial discrimination. Nationalism is relatively tolerant of alien ethnic groups, but at the same time it does not seek to merge with them.
State structure. Nazism is always totalitarian, it strives for the complete destruction of other parties. Nationalism, on the other hand, can manifest itself in a variety of political forms - from authoritarianism to democracy.
Despite the fact that nationalism is more flexible and tolerant than Nazism, it is also not ideal and is criticized. For example, Albert Einstein put it this way: “Nationalism is a childhood disease. This is the measles of humanity."
