Patriotism can embrace all humanity, promoting global compassion and universal values. This form of patriotism, as seen by William Galston, does not conflict with universal principles of right or attachment to particular communities. It is akin to cosmopolitanism, free from local, provincial, or national bias, exemplified by Thomas Paine's sentiment: My country is the world.
Patriotism is defined as “the love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who feel the same.” It’s a term that goes all the way back to the Greek word “patrios,” meaning, “of one’s father.” In and of itself, attachment to one’s ancestors seems unproblematic. Ethical questions arise for me when patriotism evolves into its modern form – militarized and nationalistic. In the late 18th century, patriotism became more exclusionary, tribal, and chauvinistic.