Hilter gained favor in the public with means of nationalism. Stalin used similar techniques/strategies.

The McCarthy Witch Trails, many people were prosecuted because of the fear of communism and the movies and propaganda going around.

It can lead to dictators coming to power (in various other places of the world, such as Africa).

The potentional problems with nationalism is that the power is taken from the people at large and focused at government leaders.

In this country the power is seated with the people. Unforchunately the people dont use it any more.

The sixties saw a huge up swing in the power of the people to gather under a cause and create change. I am NOT speaking of violent revolutionaly actions but of simple gathering together as a group and takeing a stand. for a cause.

Nationalism is similar to a police state where martial law preisides. This may sound very negitive but like everything it also has an up side.

Government Services take over from private compinies. Things like education through collage and health care and employment services, welfare and other social services are government run and available to everyone at low cost or free. Down side you go to the school or doctor you are sent to, and not where you want to go. Higher income Taxes which go to pay for these services.

Nationaism is best suited for a socity where the economy is failing inspite of the availablity of goods and services.

Germany is a nationalist republic. They say its a democracy but is not really. They are a good example of what a nationalist can be, Hitlers time in power is a negitive example of what a nationalist government can become.

As I said it is the leader(S) and in part the people that make any goverment work or fail.

Nationalism convinces people that it’s noble to die in a war for one’s country–regardless of the whether the war is justified or not. It is therefore a very convenient tool for warmonger governments. (See WWII and the Spanish Civil War, etc.)

Patriotism, on the other hand, is pride in one’s country and countrymen–but it’s pride with a critical eye. It can be a beautiful thing. Or it can morph into its evil relative and things go to hell. (See above)