AI Says...
Patriotism is a complex and multifaceted sentiment that stems from a sense of belonging to a group, a country, or a culture, and can evolve into more extreme or dysfunctional forms. From the simple pride of belonging to a community where coexistence is harmonious and secure, to more neurotic expressions where patriotism becomes a response to personal and collective insecurities, the concept encompasses a wide range of manifestations. Let us explore the different nuances of patriotism, from its healthiest forms to its more toxic expressions, with contemporary examples illustrating these phenomena.
1. Healthy Patriotism: A Sense of Belonging and Security
In its most balanced form, patriotism arises from a sense of belonging to a collective in which one feels accepted, valued, and protected. It is an attachment to a shared culture, a set of common values, and a collective history that unites individuals. This form of patriotism is not based on confrontation with an external enemy but on a feeling of gratitude toward a society that functions relatively well. One might think of countries like Switzerland or New Zealand, where social peace, political stability, and security allow for a serene attachment to the nation.
In this form, patriotism can be seen as a healthy and non-exclusive love for one's country. It does not deny the value of other cultures or nations but expresses deep appreciation for the one in which one grew up, where one feels at home. National symbols, such as the flag or the anthem, are not instruments of exclusion but rather markers of shared belonging.
2. Patriotism as a Refuge from Insecurities
However, patriotism can take a more toxic turn when it becomes a refuge from personal or collective insecurities. In some cases, individuals, experiencing a lack of control or self-esteem, may retreat into national identity as a substitute. When the sense of belonging to society weakens, when social cohesion is fragile, or when authority and governance seem compromised, patriotism can serve as an escape.
Take the example of Lebanon, a country that has endured decades of civil war, religious and political tensions, and more recently, severe economic and social crises. Despite this, strong patriotism is observed in certain parts of the population, sometimes fueled by nostalgia for a unified past or the rejection of foreign interference. This patriotism, often fragmented along sectarian lines, becomes an expression of collective suffering but also a form of psychological survival.
3. Neurotic Patriotism: When the Nation Is in Crisis but the Attachment Remains
When a country is governed by corrupt, authoritarian regimes, or when society is marked by deep internal divisions, patriotism can cling as a last bastion of identity. In situations where the people are dominated by "political predators" or the country is in economic decline, irrational attachment to the nation may emerge. This phenomenon can be observed in countries like Algeria, where despite contested state management, deep patriotism persists. This sentiment is particularly visible in sports, where the victory of a national football team, for example, becomes an outlet for accumulated political and social frustrations.
A similar phenomenon is evident in Brazil, where patriotic fervor has never waned despite episodes of widespread corruption and political instability. Sports, particularly football, play a crucial role in maintaining patriotic attachment, despite deep internal divisions related to social inequalities and racial issues. This form of patriotism can become a kind of distorted mirror, where the nation remains a source of pride even as its daily reality is marked by precariousness.
4. Patriotism Despite Division: Exacerbating Tensions and Internal Contradictions
In some cases, patriotism persists even when the nation seems deeply divided, even fragmented by internal conflicts or racial cleavages. This patriotism, far from uniting, becomes a tool to exacerbate divisions. One can observe this phenomenon in Egypt, where after the 2011 revolution, part of the population clung to an intensified patriotism in the face of rising political instability and religious tensions. Patriotism became a refuge from the uncertainties of the present, even as national institutions faltered.
Another example is Israel, where patriotism is often fueled by feelings of insecurity due to the geopolitical context. In this country, patriotism is often reinforced by the perception of a permanent external threat, but it coexists with internal fractures, particularly concerning relations between Jewish and Arab Israelis. This form of patriotism often takes on militarized dimensions and can, in some cases, justify exclusionary or aggressive policies toward the "other."
Conclusion: Patriotism, a Mirror of Collective Fears
Patriotism is a malleable concept that can be a positive force when based on values of solidarity and shared belonging. However, in times of crisis, it can become a neurotic response to personal and collective insecurities, an identity refuge in dysfunctional or divided societies. The examples of Lebanon, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, and Israel show how patriotism can survive and even thrive in contexts of division, corruption, or injustice, offering an illusion of national cohesion where it is lacking.
This duality reflects one of the paradoxes of patriotism: it can both unite and divide, be a driver of progress or a source of regression. The challenge lies in channeling this love for the homeland toward inclusive and positive values while resisting the temptations of a neurotic patriotism that exacerbates fears and divisions.tentations d’un patriotisme névrotique qui exacerbe les peurs et les divisions.