This report contributes to the global discussion on national identity in two ways. First, it offers a framework for understanding the core elements of national identity: namely its distinctive characteristics, or markers, which are deeply rooted within each nation, as well as the way national identity is expressed; that is, how citizens engage with one another and the world. Second, the report offers policymakers an actionable roadmap to diagnose, define, sustain, and adapt national identity amid modern disruptions. The objective is to ensure that national identity remains a stabilizing force - one that supports continuity and strengthens a society’s ability to adapt.

The report covers the following dimensions:

1. National Identity Markers
2. National Identity Expressions
3. National Identity Transformation
4. National Identity Sustainment
5. National Identity Measurement

Efforts to sustain or evolve national identity come with risks. Narrow or rigid narratives can alienate minority or underrepresented groups. Attempts to modernize identity markers may be seen as diluting cultural heritage. An overemphasis on nationalism can also have unintended consequences, such as creating distance with outsiders and weakening principles of openness and inclusion. Commercialization of culture, while sometimes inevitable, can also reduce rich traditions and markers to mere commodities, stripping them of their depth and meaning. Policymakers must therefore approach national identity with care, ensuring interventions unite rather than divide.

Nonetheless, adapting, promoting, and integrating national identity into different aspects of the life of a country represents a big opportunity for governments. When nurtured carefully, national identity becomes a powerful force that unites, inspires, and drives collective progress toward the cornerstone of any nation’s future. That’s been the case throughout history, and nations have successfully projected their identity narratives through influential storytelling, intellectual and cultural production, and consumable exports that resonate beyond their borders. From literature and cinema to design and technology, these assets shape global perceptions and reinforce national branding.

Policymakers now have a unique opportunity to guide this evolution with intention—protecting meaningful heritage, embracing modern expressions, and reinforcing a unifying identity that strengthens social cohesion and global relevance. With thoughtful stewardship, this can help set a steady and forward looking course for how national identity evolves in the years ahead.

This article originally appeared in Economy Middle East, February 2026.