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Is patriotic behavior rational?

The terms "patriotism" and "patriotic behavior" cover a range of behaviors. Patriotism is positive emotional attachment to one's country. It includes feelings of pride, camaraderie, and belonging. Rational behavior is behavior in keeping with one's self-interest. So the question of whether patriotism is rational hinges on whether patriotism is in keeping with a person's self-interest. 


Many have questioned the rationality of patriotism. Patriotism is linked to nationalism, and (in some cases) is also linked to ethnic and religious chauvinism. The insider-outsider dichotomy that marks patriotism is problematic because it results in valuing people differently based on their country of origin. To this end, Mark Twain identified patriotism as "the refuge of the scoundrel," and the patriot as "the person who can holler the loudest without knowing what he is hollering about." J. D. Krishnamurti, using even stronger terms, argued that national identity and patriotic sentiment were violent: "because you are separating yourself from the rest of mankind." 

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