Concept “patriotism” in its modern sense: etymology and semantics

The present article focuses on the notion of “patriotism” in its modern sense. There exists a significant difference in understanding the word “patriotism” in Russian and European cultures. In Russian verbs used in dictionaries for the definition of the word “patriot” emphasize the emotional component (the meanings are “to be faithful”, “to be bound”, “to find the spirit of one’s native country”) while in English and French an active position of the person is actualized in the meanings of the verbs (to support, to defend; servir; se mettre à service, prendre les armes). This is due largely to the fact that the Western liberal tradition is centered on people and their rights while in Russia the idea of serving the country deeply rooted in the history of Ancient Russia is more important.