The Link Between Democratic Values and Patriotism
Strategy Central
By and For Practitioners
By Monte Erfourth, October 27, 2024
The Hammer Metaphor
Two Americans, one from the Purple Party (PP) and the other from the Orange Party (OP), approach a bus—the bus symbolizing the U.S. government. The OP citizen gestures toward it and remarks, "Look at that bus. I bet it doesn’t work well, won’t take us where we need to go, and certainly won’t lead to a stronger democracy." The PP member replies, "It may not be perfect—sure, it lacks luxuries like heat and A/C—but we just gave it a tune-up. It’ll get us all to a better place."
As they draw closer, the OP member grabs a two-pound hammer, pops the hood, and starts bashing the engine. "Let’s see if this thing still works," he says, while the PP member watches in horror. They board the bus, now crowded with other hopeful travelers. After a few sputters and groans, the engine coughs to life, and the bus lurches down the road. But just a mile along, the bus stalls, coasting to a stop.
The OP member smugly declares, "See? I told you this bus couldn’t take us to a better democracy." Then, as if it were planned, he steps off the bus, pulls out a satellite phone, and calls in a private helicopter. Moments later, the OP member flies away, leaving everyone else stranded, staring at each other, wondering how they’ll ever reach their destination together. In the distance, a truck full of men paid by the OP member approaches the bus load of Americans. They check their weapons and smile at the easy task they are prepared to undertake.
Introduction
American patriotism is inextricably tied to democratic values such as individual liberty, equality, political pluralism, and the rule of law. These principles, rooted in foundational documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, form the essence of the American identity. Unlike nations that define patriotism through cultural or ethnic homogeneity, the United States relies on a shared commitment to democratic ideals. This unique form of patriotism means that loyalty to the country is loyalty to a set of principles that support an inclusive and just society. While often acting exclusive and unjust, the arc of American commitment to democratic principles has bent towards attaining the democratic ideal, not away from it.
For American democracy to function, citizens must trust in these democratic values and in the institutions that uphold them. A decline in patriotic commitment to these principles erodes this trust, destabilizing the country from within. This weakening of unity is particularly risky in the current global climate, where adversaries exploit any signs of discord to diminish U.S. influence and promote alternative authoritarian models.
External Threats: How Foreign Influence Exploits a Lack of Patriotism
The rise of digital tools has granted foreign adversaries access to American audiences in ways previously unimaginable. By targeting social media, these actors—most notably Russia and China—have initiated information warfare campaigns to sow division, undermine democratic institutions, and erode public confidence in American governance. These campaigns often amplify divisive issues, creating an illusion of widespread dissent, which can ultimately fracture public unity.
The intelligence community has documented foreign attempts to interfere in American elections as a direct method to exploit weakened national cohesion. For example, in the 2016, 2020, and now in 2024 foreign actors aimed to influence public opinion, not by presenting alternative viewpoints but by deepening societal rifts through disinformation. This tactic aims to weaken the national will and capacity to counter external threats by creating an atmosphere of mistrust and division. Without a renewed sense of patriotism grounded in shared values, these foreign efforts find fertile ground in an already divided society.
Internal Threats: How Domestic Divisions Weaken National Security
Internal divisions also pose significant risks to American security by eroding the collective resilience needed to uphold national values. Increasing political polarization and growing distrust in institutions create an environment where citizens are more susceptible to misinformation and less likely to engage constructively with democratic processes. As faith in democracy weakens, the risk of authoritarian tendencies rising domestically becomes more pronounced. Such trends can lead to an erosion of civil liberties, suppression of political opposition, and manipulation of electoral processes.
Authoritarian elements, whether foreign or domestic, utilize similar tactics to destabilize democratic societies: misinformation, control of media, and undermining of institutions that serve to protect democratic freedoms. In the U.S., these threats manifest through actions such as voter suppression and gerrymandering, both of which distort representation and reduce public trust in the democratic process. Additionally, economic inequality and restricted access to opportunities exacerbate social tensions, weakening the fabric of unity that is essential for a stable society.
A growing number of Americans are quick to brand U.S. institutions as corrupt or oppressive, overlooking a vital truth: these institutions are the backbone of our democracy, providing stability and safeguarding our freedoms. Without effective government structures, we face two grim alternatives: chaos or authoritarianism. Constructive criticism, rooted in facts and accompanied by practical solutions, is essential to strengthening our democracy. True patriotism demands not a reckless dismantling of our institutions but a commitment to their improvement, ensuring they serve all citizens effectively. Baseless attacks weaken our system, empowering would-be dictators and external adversaries who seek to undermine our democratic foundations.
Patriotism as a Counter to Authoritarianism and a Foundation for Unity
A robust sense of patriotism can serve as a defense against both internal and external attempts to destabilize democracy. By fostering loyalty to shared democratic principles rather than to specific political leaders or parties, patriotism builds resilience against authoritarianism. Citizens who are committed to the democratic ideals of equality, transparency, and accountability are more likely to reject undemocratic influences and to support the institutions that safeguard freedom.
Moreover, patriotism reinforces national unity by promoting a collective sense of purpose. When citizens share a commitment to the democratic process, they are more inclined to engage in civil discourse, even when they disagree. This unity strengthens the nation's ability to resist external manipulation and internal division, creating a society that can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Without a strong sense of patriotism, however, these defenses weaken, leaving the nation vulnerable to both domestic instability and foreign influence.
The Role of Civic Education in Building Patriotism and National Security
Revitalizing patriotism requires a renewed focus on civic education that emphasizes democratic values, critical thinking, and media literacy. Schools and communities play a vital role in instilling these principles, helping citizens to understand not only their rights but also their responsibilities within a democratic society. By fostering a deeper understanding of American history and civic duty, education can counteract the spread of misinformation and reinforce the importance of democratic engagement.
In addition to formal education, public awareness campaigns that highlight the impact of patriotism on national security can help build a more informed and resilient citizenry. These initiatives should aim to connect individual civic responsibility with broader national interests, emphasizing that a healthy democracy requires active participation and a commitment to shared values. Patriotism, when nurtured through education, becomes a unifying force that bolsters the nation's defenses against both internal and external threats.
Patriotism and the Economy: Supporting a Strong and Secure Society
American capitalism, when aligned with democratic values, has historically contributed to national security by promoting economic freedom, innovation, and individual responsibility. The pursuit of economic success within a free-market system encourages self-reliance and the pursuit of personal goals, both of which support democratic ideals. By fostering a sense of ownership and participation, economic freedom strengthens patriotism, as citizens recognize that they have a stake in the nation’s prosperity.
However, unchecked economic inequality can undermine this connection, leading to resentment and division. Addressing these disparities requires policies that promote economic opportunity for all citizens, ensuring that the benefits of capitalism are widely accessible. When economic policies align with democratic values, they reinforce patriotism by demonstrating that the nation values and invests in all its people. This economic inclusivity strengthens national unity and security by fostering a sense of shared prosperity and mutual commitment.
Conclusion: Patriotism as a Strategic Asset for National Security
In a world where both authoritarian and digital threats are on the rise, American patriotism must be recognized as a crucial national security interest. A strong, unified sense of identity rooted in democratic values equips the nation to resist foreign interference and domestic instability. Without patriotism, America’s unique social order—based on principles of freedom and equality—is at risk of erosion, weakening the very foundation of national security.
To ensure that patriotism remains a robust and resilient force, the United States must invest in civic education, promote democratic engagement, and address internal inequalities that fuel division. By strengthening patriotism through these measures, the U.S. can fortify itself against both the external pressures of a turbulent world and the internal challenges of a diverse and dynamic society.
Ultimately, patriotism is more than an emotional response; it is a strategic asset that underpins national security by promoting unity, resilience, and commitment to the values that define America. The task ahead is to cultivate a patriotism that endures—one that empowers citizens to safeguard not only their rights but also the democratic institutions that make those rights possible.
Bibliography
ACLU. "Block the Vote: Voter Suppression in 2020." ACLU News. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/block-the-vote-voter-suppression-in-2020.
Brenan, Megan. "Extreme Pride in Being American Remains Near Record Low." Gallup News, June 29, 2023.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. "Rumor vs. Reality." CISA. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.cisa.gov/topics/election-security/rumor-vs-reality.
Foreign Threats to the 2020 U.S. Federal Elections. Intelligence Community Assessment, March 10, 2020.
Rakich, Nathaniel, and Dhrumil Mehta. "We’re Divided on Patriotism Too." FiveThirtyEight, July 26, 2018. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/were-divided-on-patriotism-too/.
The Hill. "FBI Analysis from 2020 Warned Extremists ‘Very Willing’ to Take Action over Disputed Election: Report." Accessed January 18, 2024. https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/4222330-fbi-analysis-from-2020-warned-extremists-very-willing-to-take-action-over-disputed-election-report/.
Zitner, Aaron. "America Pulls Back From Values That Once Defined It, WSJ-NORC Poll Finds." *Wall Street Journal*, March 27, 2023.
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