Constitutional patriotism and militant moderation

Abstract

Constitutional patriotism is a form of political loyalty combining a commitment to universal principles with a love of a unique object of loyalty, and with a special connection to a constitution. This paper outlines a version of constitutional patriotism with three distinctive characteristics. First, constitutions are not the object of the loyalty, but its most important expression. Second, constitutions are seen as commitments to a certain form of moderate politics. And, finally, constitutional patriotism can be directed toward many different objects of loyalty, but only when it can be simultaneously directed toward a universal civilization. Constitutional patriotism seems to be the best possible form of political loyalty, and hence the form we should adopt. Loyalty is not necessarily always a virtue. But a certain form of loyalty (constitutional patriotism) - to individuals and groups, institutions and causes that deserve loyalty - is a virtue. There are many conceptions of constitutional patriotism; this paper argues in favor of one that expresses a passionate, ambitious, and militant moderation. © The Author 2008. Oxford University Press and New York University School of Law. All rights reserved.