Well, I think it's part of the design, which should lead us towards God-but when we turn away from Him, the desire is still there, and is easily abused.
Nationalism, i.e. the belief in the supremacy of one's extended tribe, is a threat to every democracy, not only in Europe.
I don't think nationalism as a healthy and normal regard for one's own extended family necessarily implies supremacy, much less an aggressive, hostile supremacy.
THAT requires something extra-which in the case of the Austrian corporal was the fusion of a certain mythology with modern technology.
By the way, welcome to FR. Sind-Sie Deutscher?
"I don't think nationalism as a healthy and normal regard for one's own extended family necessarily implies supremacy, much less an aggressive, hostile supremacy.
THAT requires something extra-which in the case of the Austrian corporal was the fusion of a certain mythology with modern technology."
I wouldn't call that nationalism. In the case of "a healthy and normal regard for one's extended family", I would rather speak of "patriotism". But that is, as so many other things, only a question of definition (Speaking of which: It's even worse with the term "liberalism", which in Europe means more or less "Republican-style market economics" *LOL). On the subject matter I mostly agree with you.
The important thing is that, for me, patriotism is the exact opposite of an agressive, hostile nationalism / strife for supremacy. But my president, Horst Koehler (of whom I am great fan), put it so much more nicely:
"Patriotism and being cosmopolitan are not opposites, but complement each other. Only those who respect themselves can also respect others."
Other speeches by Horst Koehler: http://bundespraesident.de/en/-,11165,0/Speeches.htm?link=bpr_liste
Und damit ist natürlich auch klar, daß ich Deutscher bin. Wobei ich als Mitt-Zwanziger nicht unbedingt auf das "Sie" bestehe. Duzen ist schon ok ;-).