War and Nationalism

Almost invariably, war is in large part motivated by nationalism.  Nationalism fuels the desire for conquest, and nationalism fuels the the thirst for independence.  And this sense that there is something that distinguishes one's "own" people from others can almost be said to be an expression of the "or" in its excess.  While self esteem is essential to good health, the self esteem that nationalism confers is of little value.  For it confers this esteem not based upon any actions the individual may take, or values he/she may harbor, but self esteem based upon something entirely external to the self.  Nationalism also fuels acts of courage and foolhardiness and, unfortunately, the tourist trade.  (And soccer riots, TV ratings and steroid use)
While nationalism is, in large part, an expression of the "or", it also fuels the "and".  More appropriately, it might be said that the "and" uses nationalism to bring people together, largely so they can kill each other.  Thus, nationalism represents an excess of both the "and" and the "or."   There is nothing like nationalism.