rallying round the flag
Crisis-driven national solidarity
Rallying round the flag describes the surge of public unity and patriotic support that follows a national crisis or external threat.
The phrase evokes citizens gathering around their country's symbol in solidarity.
Political leaders often benefit from this effect during wars, attacks, or international confrontations: The president's approval rating jumped after the attack—classic rallying round the flag.
The phenomenon tends to be temporary, fading as the immediate crisis passes.
- war propagandaBiased information promoting military efforts
- support the troopsAdvocate for soldiers' welfare
- patriotismDevotion to one's homeland
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- nationalismDevotion to one's country
solidarity · band together · cultural rituals · unity · public speeches · anger · fear · groupthink · mobilization · wartime spirit · resilience · empathy · hope · memorials · moment of silence · trust · belongingness · allegiance
rallying round the flagcivil war
Domestic armed conflict
polarization · balkanization · internal conflict · tribalism · culture war
rallying round the flagflag burning
Destroying national emblem by fire
dissent · anti-war movement · antiwar movement · protest · opposition
rallying round the flagpanic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
social collapse · mass hysteria · every man for himself · scapegoating · blame game
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