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Nationalism is perfectly rational, and I think necessary in the real world. When it really comes down to it, a government really should have only one purpose: to protect and serve the needs of the citizens it contains. It makes sense that the citizens should be loyal to their country because it is in turn looking out for them. One country does not look out for the wellbeing of the citizens in another country (unless you count huge humanitarian contributors like the US), their only goal is their own. Until everyone thinks of themselves on the same side nationalism is required, and unfortunately there are quite a number of people out there who would like nothing better than to rape your wife, enslave your children, and steal all of your wealth. Preventing that is one of the major purposes of your government, and you ignore that at your own peril.
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