Definitely grateful for the sacrifices that have been made in the past, but I'm looking at things based on how the world is set up today. It has become a much smaller place -- people and capital can move around more easily.

I've personally never had a very strong national identity (others do seem to have that), and I think in part it's because it has become so easy to move around.

And if you travel a bit, you realise people are actually not all that different. A lot of them have similar priorities: build out a good life, raise children, care for their friends and loved ones, have fun, etc.

Somewhat related, I have noticed there seems to be an abstraction that is often easier for Belgians to make.

One can at the same time make a stand for $GOOD_THING/against $BAD_THING ánd have zero country loyalty/patriotism.

It's easier and more efficient even, because unbound by country loyalty, one is less limited in how to make a stand.

Do you have difficulties imagining this? Imagine yourself in the era that shall not be named for fear of Godwin's law. Think of ways to make a difference back then.