Southeastern European patriotism

Abstract

This article attempts to show the close relation between patriotism and nationalism with a specific observation of the Southeast European states and their behavior toward this issue. Because there is very weak clear cut between patriotism and nationalism, today’s politicians use to abuse the patriotism in spreading nationalism and that way achieving their interests. However, the patriotism is a very important element of a nation in strengthening and preserving its national identity. Misunderstanding of the real meaning of patriotism, its indivisible relation with the nationalism, and its constant abuse are the three core reasons that prove that nationalism is an advanced form of patriotism.