Q&A: Liberalism vs. Nationalism
Liberalism vs. Nationalism
Question
If I understand correctly, liberalism is a position that puts the individual at the center, and especially his rights. By contrast, nationalism emphasizes the importance of the good of the nation and the survival of the nation, and sometimes gives up the rights of the individual for the sake of the national good. My question is: in your opinion, are these contradictory concepts, or is there some tension but not a contradiction? Is it possible to be a liberal and a nationalist at one and the same time?
Wishing you a favorable sealing in the Book of Life.
Answer
As strange as it sounds today, traditionally the right is liberal and the left is not. The left advocates intervention in the life of the individual, while the right does not. But at the same time, the right is usually more nationalistic. The difference is that the right is willing to harm individual freedom for the sake of the public, but not for the sake of another individual. The left is willing to harm freedom mainly for the sake of other individuals.