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That's an interesting idea that I haven't considered. As disturbing as it might be, when a nation has to defend itself, a narrative of unity, shared experience, and sacrifice is created. It's depressing to think that we can become factious over time, just because we haven't suffered together enough.Another theory about nation-states, advanced by Paul Collier, an Oxford economist, is that it took international war to solidify the bond people have to their countries.