National Victory by Proxy
Dr William Kerr, Liverpool John Moore’s University, w.f.kerr@ljmu.ac.uk
Abstract
The devastating invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a powerful motivator for nationalist sentiment, both within Ukraine and Russia, as well as those countries who are threatened by what may occur should Russian expansion succeed. But another aspect of interest is the way there can be a proxy effect, whereby it is also impactful on nationalism and national identity in the United States. Though the United States are not fighting the war, they are involved in it as a proxy war by supplying many of the weapons that Ukraine is using to successfully push back the Russian invasion. This paper intends to explore the possibilities for proxy nationalism effects that can result from being involved in a war by proxy. By making use of some social media analysis, historical context and commentary, I explore the ways in which the success of US military technology in the Ukraine war has led to an increase of national pride for the United States by proxy; that, in effect, Ukraine’s victories are also victories for the United States. With the context of the aftermath of the failure in Afghanistan, this creates a strong sense of nationalism and national identity, reinforcing the mythology of American exceptionalism as a global power and leader of the world.
Dr William Kerr, Liverpool John Moore’s University, w.f.kerr@ljmu.ac.uk
Abstract
The devastating invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a powerful motivator for nationalist sentiment, both within Ukraine and Russia, as well as those countries who are threatened by what may occur should Russian expansion succeed. But another aspect of interest is the way there can be a proxy effect, whereby it is also impactful on nationalism and national identity in the United States. Though the United States are not fighting the war, they are involved in it as a proxy war by supplying many of the weapons that Ukraine is using to successfully push back the Russian invasion. This paper intends to explore the possibilities for proxy nationalism effects that can result from being involved in a war by proxy. By making use of some social media analysis, historical context and commentary, I explore the ways in which the success of US military technology in the Ukraine war has led to an increase of national pride for the United States by proxy; that, in effect, Ukraine’s victories are also victories for the United States. With the context of the aftermath of the failure in Afghanistan, this creates a strong sense of nationalism and national identity, reinforcing the mythology of American exceptionalism as a global power and leader of the world.