It is absolutely true especially in the context of heed to violence by sectarian movements within Pakistan ----- however, without exception, there need to be clear and defining parameters at least between some ISMS, such as Islamism and terrorism, patriotism and nationalism, Judaism and Zionism and so on and so forth.
As once said by Orwell, “nationalism is the habit of identifying oneself with a single nation or an idea, and; placing it beyond good and evil and recognizing no other duty than that of advancing its interests.” Surely ----- in the realm of nationalism there lies a hierarchy of elements, the higher level of course ----- the politicians ----- who not only practice nationalism religiously in guise of patriotism, but, also socially and emotionally promote and enforce it, by successfully sowing paranoia, fear and insecurity among general population, that in reality leads public to believe that there is always a monster out there to hurt them a classic instance would be a quote by Henry Kissinger in early 70s “Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control people.” pretty sick isn’t it? ----- I don’t believe there is any need to quote any one here for lower level example of nationalism and even xenophobia in guise of patriotism or super-patriotism ----- so to speak ----- it is readily available for a review even in this forum ----- mind boggling indeed.
Looking at the history of the nationalism in a chronological order ----- it was all started in the 18th century by Europeans with of course Britain as a forerunner, a wave of romantic nationalism swept trough Europe transforming the countries of the continent ----- by early 19th century the days for multinational empires were numbered.
After astronomical success of nationalism, it was quickly seeded in to Arabian peninsula, central Asia and beyond to achieve a preplanned political agenda of a categorical control of natural resources.
Consider this ----- in context with present day many people seem to confuse nationalism with patriotism ----- let’s make an analogy between nationalism and patriotism by looking at another quote by Orwell “devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force upon other people.” Precisely, it makes perfect sense as long as it is innocent and harmless!!!.
Nuff said!