Poll: The political right has staked a claim on patriotism across the West
An international POLITICO Poll finds that the language and symbols of patriotism are intertwined with right-wing parties that have centered national identity and anti-immigration rhetoric.
An international POLITICO Poll finds that the language and symbols of patriotism are intertwined with right-wing parties that have centered national i
Read Full Story at Politico →Why This Matters
The shift in patriotic rhetoric toward the political right reflects a deeper realignment in how national identity is framed across Western democracies. As traditional left-wing parties struggle to reconcile progressive values with nationalist impulses, the right has successfully positioned itself as the sole guardian of national pride—a narrative that could reshape electoral outcomes for decades. This trend also underscores the growing polarization between cosmopolitan and communitarian worldviews, where patriotism is no longer a neutral concept but a contested battleground.
Background Context
Historically, patriotism in Western democracies has been a unifying force, often invoked by both left and right to rally support during crises. However, the post-Cold War era saw a gradual erosion of shared national narratives, accelerated by globalization, mass migration, and the rise of identity politics. The 2008 financial crisis and subsequent waves of populist backlash further fractured public trust in institutions, leaving a void that right-wing parties have filled with a more exclusionary vision of patriotism tied to cultural preservation and border control.
What Happens Next
If this trend persists, mainstream conservative parties may double down on nationalist rhetoric to maintain electoral dominance, while progressive parties could either adapt by redefining patriotism or risk further alienating working-class voters. Watch for shifts in how left-wing movements respond—whether through policy proposals that reclaim national identity or by rejecting the term altogether to avoid ceding ground. The outcome will hinge on whether voters increasingly see patriotism as a zero-sum contest between loyalty and exclusion.
Bigger Picture
This phenomenon is part of a broader global movement where nationalism is being repackaged as a form of resistance against perceived elite-driven globalization. From Europe to North America, the right’s co-optation of patriotism mirrors the decline of traditional civic nationalism, which emphasized shared institutions over ethnic or cultural homogeneity. As these dynamics play out, the very definition of what it means to be a patriot may continue to fragment, with lasting consequences for social cohesion and democratic discourse.
