Leo Tolstoy. Government and Patriotism

In this newly translated edition of Patriotism and Government, Leo Tolstoy offers a clear and provocative reflection on the role of patriotism in shaping modern life. Written in 1900, his essay was sparked by a letter from a German war veteran—a deeply personal account of loss, disillusionment, and quiet protest.

Through measured yet firm reasoning, Tolstoy questions how loyalty to nations, flags, and borders has become so closely tied to moral identity. He explores how these ideas have been used to justify conflict and asks whether there might be other ways to think about belonging, responsibility, and peace.