Nationalism as a Double-Edged Sword: From Trump's "America First" to Historical Catastrophes

This paper examines the dangers of emotionally charged nationalism by analyzing Donald Trump’s “America First” policy and drawing historical parallels with regimes such as those of Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Enver Hoxha, Pol Pot, and Nicolae Ceaușescu. It argues that patriotism, when uncoupled from institutional governance and international cooperation, often mutates into a destructive force. The study advocates for a model of institutional patriotism—where national pride is guided by rule of law, diplomacy, and strategic foresight—especially in the context of an increasingly interconnected world.