Nationalism

Nationalism is a movement that advocates for the unity of a nation. It began in the 18th and 19th centuries during the transition from feudalism to capitalism. It is usually more widespread among the peasantry than the proletariat. Nationalism for oppressed or colonized nations may be progressive and anti-imperialist, but other forms of nationalism may be reactionary and class collaborationist. Patriotic socialism is a form of reactionary nationalism for nations in the imperial core.

As outined by Lenin, Mao, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. There are two characters of nationalism. One is chauvinistic and one is proletarian. Nationalism can be characterized by these two types. The nationalism of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan is chauvinistic. The nationalism (or known as Socialist Patriotism, not to be confused with Patriotic Socialism) of China, North Korea and Vietnam is patriotic.

Bourgeoise/Chauvinistic Nationalism

"Therefore, the banner of nationalism seemed to reflect the common interests of the nation. As capitalism developed and the bourgeoisie became the reactionary ruling class after victorious bourgeois revolutions in various countries, nationalism was used as a means of defending the interests of the bourgeois class. The bourgeoisie disguised their class interests as national interests, and used nationalism as an ideological instrument for solidifying their class domination. This led nationalism to be understood, among the people, as a bourgeois ideology that runs counter to the national interests. We should distinguish clearly between true nationalism that loves the nation and defends its interests and bourgeois nationalism that advocates the interests of the bourgeois class. Bourgeois nationalism reveals itself as national egoism, national exclusivism and bigpower chauvinism in the relationship between countries and 3 nations; it is reactionary in that it creates antagonism and disagreement between countries and nations, and checks the development of friendly relations between the various peoples of the world."

- Kim Jong-Il, On having a correct understanding of Nationalism

We can clearly see that bourgeoise nationalism in the eyes of Kim Jong-Il, was one that defends the big power chauvinism that ultimately lands itself in the pocket of the bourgeoise. Especially for nations such as the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America.

See also

• Proletarian internationalism