American nationalism is predicated on democracy. In elementary school, we learn that being a good citizen is voting -- or participating in democracy. In class we talked about whether democracy is the ideal form of government. Whether or not it actually is or actually works, democracy is ideally a government of the people. American nationalism assumes the individual is important. The people have a choice, just like we had choices in class with what activities to do.
This works within the geography of the United States. However, asserting democracy in other places shouldn't be a form of American nationalism. Democracy is effective because it is the will of the people. When it is forced, it doesn't work. This is the lesson we're learning from recent efforts. Friedman addresses some of the problems with exporting democracy, explaining that it has to come from the people and start with grassroots movements.
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