Fractured American Patriotism

Divided We Stand: Unpacking Patriotism, Populism, and the Future of American Unity

Rhea Morgan in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Can a fractured nation rediscover common ground? Examining the forces that pull us apart and the paths toward a more unified future."

The landscape of American patriotism has transformed dramatically since the events of September 11, 2001. What once appeared to be a unifying force has become a battleground of ideologies, fueled by political polarization, economic anxieties, and cultural clashes. Understanding these shifts is crucial to navigating the complex challenges facing the nation today.

In the wake of 9/11, the administration of President George W. Bush significantly shaped the narrative of patriotism, calling for unity while simultaneously launching military interventions abroad. This era witnessed a surge in flag-waving displays and unquestioning support for authority, yet it also sparked dissent and anti-war movements, revealing deep divisions within American society.

Today, America grapples with increasingly divergent forms of patriotism, often intertwined with populism and reactionary politics. This article examines the historical roots of these divisions, explores the key players and ideologies driving them, and considers potential pathways toward a more unified and inclusive national identity.

The Patriotism of American Exceptionalism and its Discontents

One dominant narrative of American patriotism centers on the concept of "American exceptionalism," the belief that the United States holds a unique and divinely ordained place in the world. This view often emphasizes a covenant with God, a commitment to Christian values, and a sense of global responsibility to spread democracy and freedom.

However, this vision of American exceptionalism has also faced significant challenges and criticisms. The rise of secularism, the increasing diversity of American society, and the legacy of historical injustices have all contributed to a questioning of this traditional narrative. This has led to a backlash from those who feel that the country is losing its way, fueling reactionary movements and populist appeals.

Several factors have contributed to the fragmentation of American patriotism:

Economic inequality and the decline of the middle class
Cultural anxieties and the fear of losing traditional values
The rise of social media and echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs
A decline in trust in government and institutions

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 brought these tensions to a head. His populist message, appealing to a sense of national decline and resentment toward elites, resonated with many Americans who felt left behind by globalization and cultural change. However, his divisive rhetoric and policies further polarized the country, exacerbating existing divisions and creating new ones.

Finding Common Ground: A Path Forward

Despite the deep divisions that plague American society, there is still hope for a more unified future. By acknowledging the legitimate grievances of all Americans, promoting civil dialogue and understanding, and working towards a more just and equitable society, it is possible to bridge the divides that threaten to tear the nation apart. The path forward requires a renewed commitment to the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect, ensuring that all Americans feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/978-3-319-30534-9_8-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Patriotism, Populism, And Reactionary Politics Since 9.11

Journal: Handbook of Patriotism

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Authors: Randall Curren

Published: 2017-10-25

Everything You Need To Know

How did the events of September 11th, 2001, change the meaning and role of patriotism in the United States?

The events of September 11, 2001, dramatically shifted the landscape of American patriotism. Before 9/11, patriotism often served as a unifying force, but in its wake, it became a contested arena of ideologies, intensified by political polarization, economic worries, and cultural clashes. The George W. Bush administration's response, characterized by calls for unity alongside military actions, further shaped and complicated the meaning of patriotism in America. Although not discussed, the long term implications of these military actions are still debated.

What is 'American exceptionalism,' and how has it been challenged in recent times?

American exceptionalism centers on the conviction that the United States possesses a unique position globally, possibly divinely ordained. It often highlights a relationship with a deity, dedication to specific values, and a perceived duty to spread principles globally. However, challenges arise from secularism, increasing diversity, historical injustices, and criticisms questioning this traditional narrative. While not explicitly covered, the concept influences foreign policy and domestic debates on identity and values.

What are the primary factors contributing to the increasing divisions within American patriotism?

Several factors are implicated in the fragmentation of American patriotism, including economic inequality, the decline of the middle class, cultural anxieties related to the perceived loss of traditional values, the rise of social media echo chambers, and declining trust in government and institutions. These elements create distinct divisions within the nation's understanding and expression of unity. Not covered is the demographic aspect.

How did the rise of populism impact the existing divisions in American society, particularly during the 2016 election?

Populism, particularly in the context of the 2016 election of Donald Trump, exploited a sense of national decline and resentment towards elites, resonating with Americans who felt marginalized by globalization and cultural shifts. This populist surge amplified existing divisions and introduced new points of contention, highlighting the complex relationship between patriotism and political movements. His approach used divisive rhetoric, contributing to further polarization, a point not fully developed.

What steps can be taken to bridge the divides in American society and foster a more unified future?

Moving towards a more unified future involves acknowledging the grievances of all Americans, fostering civil dialogue, and striving for a just and equitable society. Overcoming divisions requires a renewed commitment to inclusivity, tolerance, and mutual respect, ensuring that all individuals feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Further exploration of specific policies or initiatives that could promote inclusivity and address systemic inequalities would add additional depth. A detailed plan of reconciliation process that might be undertaken is another area of importance that could be considered.