National insecurity: what happens when countries start to lose their sense of identity?

The current international relations climate is filled with anxiety and danger due to significant shifts and uncertainties in global politics.
Political theorists are turning to psychiatry to understand the concept of “ontological security,” which refers to a stable sense of identity and autonomy.
States, like individuals, can experience ontological insecurity when their self-identity and purpose are significantly challenged.
Russia’s search for ontological security following the collapse of the Soviet Union contributed to the aggressive policies leading to the invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. experienced a loss of ontological security post-Cold War, which was exacerbated by failures in Afghanistan and Iraq and led to policies like “America First” under Trump.
Australia and New Zealand rely on the U.S. for security, but changing U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues create new challenges for them.
The role of middle powers like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in helping to stabilize the international order is increasingly important.
The recovery of a shared sense of purpose and identity among these middle powers could help anchor a more stable international system.