My country right or wrong

Thursday 5 October 2023

As one Russian friend, who has long left the country put it: ‘It is a terrible reflex: it’s my country and my duty is to defend it even if it is wrong. I must defend my country. You cannot imagine how deep and powerful this reflex is. Even those who don’t think this war is a good idea – say “we are wrong but we cannot lose”. Do you remember the post of [name redacted] that I sent you? It is my country and I wish it to win. Why can Americans commit war crimes and stay without any sanctions but we cannot? [Russia’s war, McGlynn] (my emphasis)

Russians are not unique in that regard. But I think it is indicative of a value that can be felt stronger or weaker.

I know that patriots all over the world stand by the motto “My country right or wrong”, but I’m pretty sure that’s wrong.

Possible heuristic: if you say: “My country right or wrong”—you yourself are wrong.