Government trust and patriotism in the post-COVID era

Kang Miong Sei 

(miongsei@sejong.org) 

Senior Research Fellow, 

the Sejong Institute 

Abstract

Patriotism is the initial condition that allows nationalism. Patriotism has the potential to develop into nationalism, which prioritizes one's own interest in line with one's political leaders in relation to the external environment. Political leaders can transform patriotism into exclusive nationalism to maximize their political interests. The range and speed of such transformation vary depending on each nation’s characteristics and democratic system.  Public opinions and political elites’ understanding of the COVID-19 prevention methods will have a significant impact on international cooperation, which is expected to play a decisive role in eradicating COVID-19. In order to understand them, it is necessary to pose and discuss the following questions: How do individuals that face a public health crisis evaluate their government's policies? How much does an evaluation of quarantine measures influence government trust and patriotism? It must be noted that patriotism is built around government trust. Also, satisfaction and evaluation of quarantine measures became important variables. People who are content with their lives and appreciate current anti-COVID-19 policies support patriotism. After all, individuals have different ideas of patriotism and nationalism depending on their ideologies.