The conventional view of nationalism sees it as a natural expression of a people's love for their country.

However, what is often not taught is how the political right has systematically weaponized nationalism as a tool for political control, using it to consolidate power, demonize opponents, and deflect from economic inequalities.

This is not just about patriotism; it's a strategic use of a powerful emotion to maintain the status quo and benefit the ruling class.

Creating an "Us vs. Them" Mentality 

A key tactic of weaponized nationalism is the creation of a powerful "us vs. them" narrative. By defining the nation in exclusionary terms, the right can cast its opponents as enemies of the state, not just political rivals.

• The Foreign Enemy: This is the most classic form. Right-wing leaders often evoke the threat of an external enemy—whether it's a rival nation, a global ideology, or an immigrant population—to rally support. This fear of an outside threat encourages people to rally around a strong leader and to overlook domestic problems. It allows a government to justify increased military spending, surveillance, and a more authoritarian approach to dissent.

• The Internal Enemy: Just as potent is the creation of an internal enemy. This can be political dissidents, journalists, or minority groups who are labeled as "unpatriotic" or "traitors" for criticizing the government. By portraying these groups as a threat to national unity, the right can justify silencing dissent and consolidating power. For example, during the rise of fascism in the 20th century, nationalist movements systematically demonized Jews, communists, and other minorities as internal threats that needed to be eliminated for the good of the nation.

This use of nationalism allows the right to turn political debate into a moral battle for the soul of the nation, making any opposition seem like a betrayal of the country itself.

Deflecting from Economic Inequality 

One of the most effective uses of nationalism as a political tool is its ability to distract the public from economic grievances.

• A Common Identity: When the working class is struggling with low wages, job insecurity, and a lack of social services, nationalism provides a powerful and emotional antidote. By emphasizing a common national identity, right-wing leaders can create a sense of solidarity between the rich and the poor, framing their shared nationality as more important than their class differences. This narrative discourages class-based political movements and redirects anger from economic elites toward external or internal "enemies."

• The "National Interest": Economic policies that primarily benefit the wealthy—such as tax cuts for corporations and deregulation—are often justified as being in the "national interest." The argument is that these policies will make the country more competitive on the global stage, with the benefits eventually "trickling down" to everyone. This nationalist framing makes it seem unpatriotic to question the policies that are consolidating wealth at the top. For instance, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, empires were justified not just on economic grounds but as a national quest for glory and power.

This strategy ensures that the anger of a struggling populace is channeled away from the sources of economic inequality and directed towards a more convenient, and often fabricated, external threat.

The Symbiotic Relationship with Authoritarianism 

Nationalism and authoritarianism have a symbiotic relationship. A strong sense of national identity, when weaponized, can create the popular support needed for a leader to centralize power and dismantle democratic institutions.

• "Making the Nation Great Again": The appeal of a leader who promises to restore national glory is a powerful one. This narrative, often rooted in a romanticized view of the past, allows a leader to argue that the normal rules of democracy are too slow and ineffective to achieve the nation's destiny. This can be used to justify bypassing the legislative process, a disregard for the judiciary, and the suppression of a free press, all in the name of a higher national purpose.

• The Cult of the Leader: In this form of nationalism, the leader becomes the embodiment of the nation itself. To challenge the leader is to challenge the nation, and loyalty to the leader becomes a patriotic duty. This cult of personality allows a leader to rule by personal will rather than by democratic institutions and the rule of law.

In conclusion, nationalism, when used as a political weapon, is a tool for control that operates on multiple levels. It distracts from economic inequality, justifies the demonization of political opponents, and creates a climate where democratic norms can be eroded in the name of national unity. Understanding this dynamic is crucial to seeing beyond the surface-level appeals of patriotism and recognizing the darker, more strategic uses of national identity.