I never thought about the word patriotism this way, but you definitely struck a nerve with me. I've always had a kind of warrior mentality, but was always drawn to the characters in stories who stood up to the bully, tyrant, invading army, etc. I joined the national Guard when I was young because I thought, "if the commies come here, I'll be there to stop them."
Problem is, when I stuck around too long, the "Guard" became an invading army. So, I kept telling myself that I was "doing it for Freedom" and other such nonsense. I didn't really have the concept of cognitive dissonance worked out yet, but I was sure as heck experiencing it.
I think there's something inside us as men, at least some of us, that is drawn to the idea of being a warrior. We have it in us to fight, and the State capitalizes on that drive better than any other entity.
I'm doubtful we'll achieve a non-interventionist society while I'm alive, but I sure like the idea. Thanks for the post, I like your insight.
That 'something' inside many men, is generations after generations of men being used as violent tools of those they were conditioned to see as their superiors, combined with direct conditioning added to each new generation through the public indoctrination system, media, stories of "heroes", etc.
I think that view tends to forget that we have a history that predates media, direct conditioning, and public education. Men were violent way before all that started. Cave men and women bones have been found which suggest murder existed long before government.