Part 2/10:
At the core of understanding American nationalism lies a vital distinction between nationalism and statehood. Statehood implies belonging to a politically defined entity with borders, laws, and governmental structures. It embodies a sense of belonging to a country. Nationalism, in contrast, is rooted in a shared connection among a people. This connection often derives from ancestry, history, faith, language, or culture.
For example, nationalism is evident when a French person feels a bond with the French people. Conversely, a Kurdish individual may feel this sense of nationalism despite the absence of a recognized Kurdish state. American nationalism thus emerges as a sense of belonging to a diverse American people, yet defining exactly who these people are invites further complexity.