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"Nationalism, the state of mind in which the individual's supreme loyalty is owed to the nation-state, remains the strongest of political emotions. As a historical phenomenon, it is always in flux, changing according to no preconceived pattern. In The New Nationalism, Louis Snyder sees various forms of nationalism, and categorizes them as a force for unity; a force for the status quo; a force for independence; a force for fraternity; a force for colonial expansion; a force for aggression; a force for economic expansion; and a force for anti-colonialism. In Snyder's opinion, nationalism should be differentiated from Theodore Roosevelt's "New Nationalism," a phrase he borrowed from Herbert D. Croly's The Promise of American Life. Croly warned that giving too much power to big industry and finance would lead to the degradation of the masses, and that state and federal intervention must be pursued on all economic fronts. Roosevelt expanded upon this concept, and saw the flourishing of democratic government as a means of reviving the old pioneer sense of individualism and opportunity. Snyder, in contrast, extends the work of the two major pioneers in the study of modern nationalism, Carlton J.H. Hayes and Hans Kohn, in exploring this most powerful sentiment of modern times, and showing how it relates to the political, economic, and psychological tendencies of historical development."--Provided by publisher.

A review of the life & work of Hans Kohn (1891-1971) suggests that Kohn made three fundamental contributions to the modern understanding of nationalism: a diverse philosophical analysis, the historical origins of nationalism, & a clear distinction between nationalism's potential for good & evil. Kohn argued that the majority of modern innovations promoted the rise of nationalism & were likewise shaped by nationalism. The Puritan revolution of the seventeenth century sparked the rise of nationalism at a religious level, & the American & French Revolutions instilled nationalism with a sense of liberty & individual rights. However, the rise of extreme nationalism led to a degree of national & cultural pride that lost touch with concerns of humanity & eventually contributed to the destruction caused by two world wars. It is concluded that Kohn's work provides necessary insight into the dangers of nationalism & looks to a future where the solidarity of nationalism does not require war. 5 References. Adapted from the source document.