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Pride in one's nation can reflect a healthy and genuine bond with fellow citizens.

By contrast, narcissistic national pride is unhealthy and superficial.

National narcissism can fuel prejudice, military aggression, and conspiracy beliefs.

Research suggests that promoting strong, healthy national identities lets us build stronger societies.

By Anni Sternisko, with edits from Jay Van Bavel

On July 4, the United States will celebrate its 250th birthday. The White House has pledged to “showcase our nation and celebrate American greatness,” kicking off the birthday bash with an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn.

America’s 250th anniversary was meant to be a moment of shared national pride. Instead, it arrives at a time when national pride itself has become a source of conflict. The question is no longer simply whether people love their country, but what kind of love that is.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence in the U.S., let's unpack healthy and harmful forms of national identification and how they shape the world in profoundly different ways.

The Many Faces of National Pride

National pride can take different forms. At its best, it reflects a real bond with one’s fellow citizens and a commitment to the country’s values: a healthy, secure national identity. But national identity can also be unhealthy, superficial, and image-obsessed. A particularly prominent example of the latter could be called national narcissism.

Caravaggio’s famous painting depicts Narcissus, a handsome youth who tragically falls in love with his own reflection. According to Roman poet Ovid, Narcissus is unable to tear himself away and eventually dies of his passion for himself. In an era of looksmaxxing, this doomed loop of vanity feels especially relevant.

Like Narcissus staring at his own reflection, collective narcissists* are preoccupied with their group's image. For example, national narcissists see their country as exceptional and entitled to special treatment.

Beneath the bravado is a fragile need for validation: when others fail to admire their nation enough, they become resentful. This is what differentiates them from people with a healthy national identity. They both feel attached to their own nation (as shown in the image below). But while true patriots don’t shy away from constructive criticism of their own nation, national narcissists are hypersensitive to any sort of critique and perceived disrespect.

Importantly, national narcissism and healthy national identity also have some similarities. For example, both share a focus on the nation and a generally positive view of the national group. Studies find........

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