Abstract

This work addresses the problems patriotism, nationalism, and national identity pose for liberal societies. Patriotism appears to threaten three core liberal values: freedom, pluralism, and peace. An examination of the political thought of Jean-Jacques Rousseau reveals a possible reconciliation of patriotism and these liberal values. In fact, Rousseau argues that patriotism is not only consistent with freedom, pluralism, and peace, but that patriotism is essential to guarantee them. Despite this approval of patriotism, Rousseau is aware that it is still a dangerous passion. Patriotism can never be made "safe" but, it can be made legitimate. ;Rousseau sees patriotism as the key to the solution of the ills of bourgeois society because he identifies amour-propre, or egoism, as the source of our problems. Because a perversion of self-love is at the core of our ills, we must transform our passions. A purely rational or institutional solution to the problems of modern society is insufficient. Rousseau recommends we harness the energy of amour- propre in order to produce a positive passion, love of country, or patriotism. ;Because patriotism incorporates the harmful passion amour- propre, it is always dangerous. The bulk of this work discusses these dangers. Patriotism appears to threaten freedom because it seems to demand an irrational attachment to the country. Freedom, however, requires political and psychological conditions only possible when patriotism is present in a legitimate regime. Patriotism appears to threaten pluralism because it seems to demand cultural homogeneity. Rousseau argues that cultural unity is necessary and desirable but that some diversity in the good polity is permissible as long as the groups in society are not sectarian or fanatical. Pluralism can be valued, but not the kind of pluralism that would lead to a breakdown of society. Patriotism appears to threaten morality and peace because it seems parochial and militaristic. Rousseau argues that genuine moral behavior and peace are best achieved when people feel genuine bonds with other human beings---something impossible in cosmopolitan situations. Patriotism, then, can provide a stable foundation for each of these three liberal values