Patriotism, Nationalism, & Hubris

I’m writing this article today, July 4, 2026: the 250th Independence Day in the USA.  So many of us here in the States are conflicted about how to celebrate this milestone in the age of chaos, division, cruelty, lawlessness, corruption at the top of the ruling regime’s administration. For years, the Smithsonian had been working on a historically correct, inclusive of all people living in the USA, nonpartisan event that would have been open to everyone and would not favor or exclude any political party.  Instead, this momentous event in the history of the USA was hijacked by Mr. Trump and his followers who created the underwhelming “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  It has become a symbol of this regime: only focuses on their party’s ideology, not well-thought out, cheaply constructed but for an exorbitant price, no one wants to be aligned with it.

A friend lamented to me that when he sees anyone wearing anything red, white, and blue or obviously patriotic to the USA, he automatically suspects they are a MAGA and/or Christian Nationalist.  Sadly, I understand this sentiment.  Since this regime took over, the colors of the USA, the symbols of the USA (flag, eagles, the traditions from the people’s house - the White House), even songs (like YMCA) and patriotic songs were grabbed by the far right as ‘theirs’ exclusively claiming “patriotism.”  Even the word, ‘patriot’ has been attached to people who committed treason by attacking the Federal Capitol on 1/6/21 after having been encouraged by a sore loser, to ICE agents doing unspeakable cruelty to and killing innocent people and grabbing people then throwing them into a concentration camp or deporting them.  That’s not how I view ‘patriots.’  What’s the difference between ‘patriotism’ and ‘nationalism’?

According to the June 28, 2026 post in Britannica, “Nationalism and patriotism, while often used interchangeably, have distinct origins, meanings, and implications. Patriotism is a feeling of attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community, and its conception has roots tracing back to Greek and Roman antiquity. It is based on concepts such as a love for law and the common good. Nationalism, on the other hand, is a more modern ideology that emerged in the 18th century, focusing on the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state , often surpassing other individual or group interests. [ A nation-state is a political entity where the state and the nation align, meaning a centralized government rules over a population within a territory that shares a common identity. Examples include Japan and the United States. Historians and scholars of nationalism studies are divided over whether nations preceded nation-states or if nation-states produced nationalism, but are agreed that the nineteenth century, after the age of revolutions, was a key period for the rise of nation-state.]

Patriotism traditionally involves a civic spirit and a willingness to sacrifice for the common liberty of a political community. It is often linked to political virtues and the preservation of political liberty. Nationalism, however, is more about a spiritual attachment to the nation, emphasizing cultural unity and distinctiveness. It often involves a desire for a separate and independent nation, driven by a shared culture, history, and language. This can sometimes lead to a belief in the superiority of one’s nation over others, which is a key distinction from patriotism. In contemporary contexts, patriotism is sometimes seen as a unifying force that can support democratic societies by fostering a sense of solidarity among citizens. Nationalism, however, can be divisive, as it often emphasizes differences between nations and can lead to conflicts over territory and cultural dominance. Critics argue that nationalism can give rise to chauvinism and is incompatible with cosmopolitan aspirations and the recognition of equal moral worth among all humans” (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nationalism-vs-Patriotism-Whats-the-Difference).

Nationalism in the USA has come to mean, ‘Christian Nationalism,’ a dangerous sub-ideology of ‘nationalism’ that, “…seeks to create or maintain a legal fusion of Christian religion with a nation’s character. Advocates of Christian nationalism consider their view of Christianity to be an integral part of their country’s identity and want the government to promote—or even enforce—the religion’s position within it” (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nationalism-vs-Patriotism-Whats-the-Difference ).

At the center of nationalism, and perhaps of patriotism too is pride-on-steroids: hubris. As you know, ‘hubris’ is, “… excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance; dangerous overconfidence and complacency, often in combination with arrogance. Hubris, arrogance, and pretension are related to the need for victory instead of reconciliation, which ‘friendly’ groups might promote. Hubris is usually perceived as a characteristic of an individual rather than a group, although the group the offender belongs to may suffer collateral consequences from wrongful acts. Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one's own competence, accomplishments, or capabilities”  (https://www.oed.com/dictionary/hubris_n?tab=meaning_and_use).  Hubris was the downfall of many famous Greek heroes of mythology; here are a couple examples:

• Achilles - In the Iliad, Achilles was the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) skilled fighter who was known for his victories in war and prowess.  He had armor that would protect him in battle, but he had s small flaw that the armor didn’t protect, and due to his intense hubris, Achilles never thought he could be killed.  Recall from Greek mythology, his mother dipped him in the river Styx as an infant; she held him by one of his heels, leaving it untouched by the waters and thus his only vulnerable body part. Alluding to these legends, the term Achilles' heel has come to mean a point of weakness which can lead to downfall, especially in someone or something with an otherwise strong constitution. The Achilles tendon is named after him following the same legend.  Achilles’ hubris killed him.

• Odysseus - While Odysseus’ hubris didn’t get him killed, it delay him getting back home by 10 years when it should have taken him about a week.  Odysseus and his crew had been trapped in a cave, so Odysseus (full of hubris) devised a clever plan and tricked his captor, Polyphemus.  Even though Odysseus and his crew escaped, Odysseus, in his hubris, had insulted a god and that was unforgivable. He taunted Poseidon, the sea god who was also the father of Polyphemus. Polyphemus was so angry, he asked Poseidon to intervene and to made Odysseus’ journey home as difficult as possible. Poseidon was happy to oblige after seeing the hubris of Odysseus.

In her June 28, 2026 arctic, “How Trump’s Takeover Fractured America’s Birthday Party,” Piper Hudspeth Blackburn explains, “When Next250 organizers began planning for America’s 250th birthday, they envisioned bringing together communities in a polarized country to celebrate democracy. But then Donald Trump returned to office as the 47th president. Now, the left-leaning group has reframed its commemoration in response to Trump’s takeover of the country’s birthday. A communal festival in Washington, DC, on Saturday, for instance, featured an indigenous opening ceremony, a march starting at what was once called Black Lives Matter Plaza and voter registration booths.

In seeking to put his stamp on the 250th, Trump has upended plans that had been years in the making, thrown agencies and federal funding behind his lavish, patriotic vision and drawn ire over what has become, in critics’ eyes, a partisan celebration more about the president than the country.  ‘It’s a lost cause to expect anything unifying and exciting coming out of Washington,’ said John Dichtl, president and chief executive of the American Association for State and Local History, a nonprofit that helped advise states on their 250th planning. Across the country, some state and local planners have distanced their celebrations from what’s happening in the nation’s capital. And in Washington, Next250 held its counterprogram down the street from the White House as the National Mall is being used by Trump’s ‘Great American State Fair.’ ‘The administration doesn’t own the 250th anniversary, nor do they own the story of this country,’ said Linda Sarsour, one of Next250’s organizers..speaking about the event on Saturday, she said: ‘We’re coming out to say: ‘We’re all in this together, and this country belongs to all of us.’

Dichtl, of the American Association for State and Local History, said state and local planners were more focused on what was going on in their own communities, than in Washington, but he still fears that the overall tenor of the 250th has turned partisan. He said the 1976 bicentennial was a complicated yet ‘unifying’ moment where national healing felt possible. [I recall the 200th birthday of the USA in 1976 as being about everyone, not just the president’s party and pet projects.] ‘250 does not feel that way,’ he said. This weekend, those in Washington got to decide between different 250th celebrations. Some chose to ride the towering, 110 foot-Ferris wheel or take a picture with a replica of Trump’s triumphal arch.[which was so poorly constructed it was falling apart almost immediately after being put up] Organizers expected thousands of people to attend Next250’s event — where there were choirs and mariachi music, speeches and bracelet making — though the crowd seemed smaller when the event was in full swing. Trump has touted the 250th as ‘the most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen.’ Opening the Great American State Fair this week, he nodded to more ahead. ‘On July 4, we will have the greatest show of all on the National Mall. Your favorite president will be speaking, so please show up,’ [Oh? Favorite president will be there?  So, President Obama will be speaking? ] he said”

(https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/27/politics/trump-america250-freedom250-division).

As we’ve seen from independent journalists, the ‘Great American State Fair’ is an embarrassing flop: boring and incomplete state exhibits, entertainment cancelling [I don’t blame them. Why be part of a ‘sinking ship’?], rather than tens of thousands on the Mall, it appeared there were only tens of people.  “There is nothing patriotic about the [Confederate] flag of a supremacist nation that went to war with the USA and got beat out of existence to only be remembered by racists dorks! America’s major, Zohran Mamdani said it well in his July 4 speech, ‘America, they will tell you, belongs only to those with the right accent or the right shade of skin.  The rest of us, they insist, should be grateful for merely being allow to visit.  How small they are.  How weak, how unoriginal’” (qtd. in Instagram).

One final thought I’m sharing about patriotism and nationalism is how countries are damaged by the hubris of nationalism.  According to the Cato Institute, “Nationalism can fuel violence, division, and global disorder, harming nations by exacerbating conflicts and promoting discrimination. Countries with diverse populations, like those in Europe and the United States, have experienced increased tensions due to extreme nationalist ideologies…The Cato Institute is an assiduously nonpartisan and independent public policy research organization—or think tank—that creates a presence for and promotes libertarian ideas in policy debates. Our mission is to keep the principles, ideas, and moral case for liberty alive for future generations, while moving public policy in the direction of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace” (https://www.cato.org/outside-articles/case-against-nationalism).

Nationalism harms nations by exacerbating conflicts and promoting discrimination. Countries with diverse populations, like those in Europe and the United States, have experienced increased tensions due to extreme nationalist ideologies. Nationalism has had a significant impact on various nations, particularly those with diverse populations. Here are some examples of regions and countries that have experienced harm due to extreme nationalist ideologies.

• Europe

1. Germany: The rise of nationalism contributed to the events leading up to World War I and the subsequent rise of the Nazi regime, which promoted ethnic superiority [hubris] and led to widespread violence and discrimination. Its impact on nationalism is that it contributed to WWI and rise of Nazism.

2. Balkans: Nationalist tensions in the Balkans have historically resulted in violent conflicts, including the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, which were fueled by ethnic nationalism and led to significant loss of life and displacement. Its impact on nationalism is that it contributed to ethnic conflicts and wars.

• United States

United States: Nationalism has exacerbated divisions within the country, particularly regarding issues of race and immigration. Extreme nationalist sentiments have led to increased tensions and conflicts among different ethnic and racial groups. Its impact on nationalism is that it contributed to increased racial and ethnic tensions.

• Other Regions

1. India: The rise of Hindu nationalism has led to increased violence against minority groups, particularly Muslims, and has exacerbated social divisions within the country. Its impact on nationalism is that it contributed to violence against minorities.

2. Myanmar: Nationalist movements have fueled ethnic conflicts, particularly against the Rohingya Muslim population, leading to violence and humanitarian crises. Its impact on nationalism is that it contributed to ethnic conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Nationalism can lead to violence, division, and global disorder, harming nations by exacerbating conflicts and promoting discrimination, especially in diverse societies.

Patriotism has its concerns too. Jeffrey Tucker wrote about the decline in patriotism in March 2023, “The Wall Street Journal has conducted a poll with the most interesting results. From 1998 to the present [2023], the percentage of Americans who say that patriotism is an important value has crashed from 70 percent to 38 percent. The bulk of the fall has happened since 2019” (https://brownstone.org/articles/decline-in-patriotism/ ). What happened in 2019 that contributed to the decline in patriotism, in patriotic sentiment?

• Political polarization: The political climate in the U.S. became increasingly divided, leading to feelings of disillusionment among citizens.

• Dissatisfaction with government: Many young Americans expressed frustration with government actions and policies that they felt did not address their concerns, such as social justice issues and economic inequality.

• Generational differences: Younger generations, especially Generation Z, showed a marked decrease in national pride. For instance, only 18% of young Americans reported being "extremely proud" (https://publications.armywarcollege.edu/News/Display/Article/4305082/the-consequences-of-declining-patriotism-in-the-united-states/ ) to be American, a stark contrast to 85% a decade earlier.

There is an impact on national identity. The decline in patriotism has implications for civic engagement and the relationship between citizens and their military. As fewer young people identify strongly with patriotic values, it may affect their willingness to participate in national service or support military initiatives. This shift in values reflects broader changes in American society, where traditional markers of national pride, such as patriotism, are being reevaluated in light of contemporary issues and challenges.  If you want to see a great example of why patriotism is being questioned and should be, here is a June 2012 clip from the HBO show, The Newsroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTjMqda19wk .  That was 14 years ago, and sadly, the reasons why American is not the greatest country are still reality. And, it reminds us that we have the opportunity individually and collectively to reimagine how we love, honor, marvel at, and support the community for everyone's greater good.

The lines separating patriotism and nationalism have blurred.  Your ideology - political and religious - is not your favorite sports team.  I wrote a blog post last year about this: https://www.reimaginelifecoach.com/post/we-cannot-afford-to-treat-our-political-party-as-our-football-team.

For me, while patriotism and hubris-fueled / religion-intensified / cruelty-loving / white-supremacy nationalism in the USA are intertwined, I bow out of wearing the red/white/blue and putting out the flag because they have, unfortunately become symbols of hypocrisy, favoritism of the few, not of freedom for all.  Still, I have hope that the hubris of nationalism and patriotism will change into love and respect for all of humanity.  Now, that would be something to celebrate!

What are your thoughts on patriotism, nationalism, and hubris? Please share your thoughts, insights, and suggestions by either commenting below this post if you are reading this on social media, or, if you are reading this through your email subscription, please share, by emailing me, at MissyDuncanPhdofficial@gmail.com . I invite you to subscribe to my blog at www.reimaginelifecoach.com n. [Soon, my website will be changing; your subscription will automatically roll over to the new website.]