My country right or wrong

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.