"Patriotism, Power, and Fragmented Belonging: A Critical Examination of Nationalist Rhetoric and Internal Division" is a 2026 political and sociological study by Mayank Singh. The paper investigates how nationalist rhetoric is often used as a strategic instrument for political leverage and the consolidation of authority rather than genuine nation-building. Singh argues that by equating governance with national identity, leaders can stigmatize dissent as "anti-national" betrayal. The article further explores a sociological paradox: while public rhetoric emphasizes national unity, political strategies often thrive on internal fragmentation, driving individuals to seek emotional security in sub-national identities like religion, caste, or partisan groups. Ultimately, Singh places the ethical responsibility for a nation's health on its citizens, asserting that national decline is often a reflection of the collective civic culture
Mayank Singh (Thu,) studied this question.