Collective narcissism describes a psychological tendency for groups to have an inflated sense of their own importance and superiority.

On the one hand, some argue that collective narcissism can help a group maintain its morale and defend itself against external threats.

In a national context, this can translate into patriotic pride and resilience.

However, critics caution that collective narcissism often leads to defensive aggression, hypersensitivity to criticism, and support for authoritarian figures. The inflated self-image of the group may result in resistance to change and hostility toward those perceived as outsiders, which can hinder productive dialogue and cooperation between groups.

For example, collective narcissism has been observed in nationalist movements, where a country's citizens may hold an exaggerated belief in their nation's greatness.

This can lead to aggressive foreign policies, the rejection of international cooperation, and the marginalization of minority groups within the country. A government or leader might exploit this sentiment by framing any criticism of the nation, even constructive, as an attack that requires retaliation.

This defensive posture can prevent healthy introspection and prevent the group or nation from acknowledging mistakes or learning from the perspectives of others, ultimately leading to social tension or conflict.