On the issue of understanding the essence of patriotism in modern realities: a mechanism for combating external and internal enemies

The article analyzes the phenomenon of patriotism as one forms nationalism. author identifies two types nationalism: conservative nationalism, mechanism for achieving goals which is determined by legality within legal field and absolute sovereignty state, maintaining strengthening its territorial integrity; radical nationalism aimed at through direct violence or terror. signs are revealed, in presence potentially transformed into chauvinism xenophobia. content policy West, carries external internal threats to security integrity Russia, noted. As a result analysis, conclusion formed that protecting state from an enemy (it does not matter real imaginary). Nationalism, on other hand, realizes possibility counteracting destruction Russia enemy.