H-Net Discussion Networks - Chinese Forces in Laos, 1961 [Edmonds]

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From: Tony Edmonds <00aoedmonds@bsuvc.bsu.edu>
List Editor: "H-DIPLO [Laderman]" <hdiplo@yorku.ca>
Editor's Subject: Chinese Forces in Laos, 1961 [Edmonds]
Author's Subject: Chinese Forces in Laos, 1961 [Edmonds]
Date Written: Thu, 24 Aug 2000
Date Posted: Sun, 26 Aug 2000 09:13:12 -0400

Daniel Teodoru wrote:

>This most enlightening exchange brings to mind the fact that to classical
>communists "nationalism" was equivalent to "chauvenism," a "degenerate,
>narrow-minded bourgeois trait that serves its class interests." However,
>distinct in their construct, was "working class patriotism" which involved
>love of nation and sacrifice of self, but always within the framework of
>the interest of "proletarian internationalism."

I thank Mr. Teodoru for this useful distinction that I have been trying to
articulate to my students for several years now.  Would he agree that Ho
Chi Minh, for example, believed that communism would be best for his
nation, and in that sense shared at least this one element of what we call
nationalism?

I eagerly await the publication of William Duiker's new biography of Ho,
which may help untangle some of this.

Tony Edmonds
Ball State University

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