This paper examines the relationship between economic inequality and the formation of national pride across advanced democracies. Using data from five cross-national surveys, the study finds support for the diversionary theory of nationalism, which posits that states generate nationalism to divert citizens' attention from economic inequality and prevent demands for redistributive policies. The study contrasts this with alternative theories, including those based on international conflict and the emergence of new nations. The results show that greater economic inequality is associated with higher levels of national pride, and this effect is consistent across different measures of inequality. The study also finds that international conflict has a less significant effect on national pride compared to economic inequality. The findings suggest that economic inequality plays a more significant role in shaping nationalist sentiments than international conflict or the emergence of new nations. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of economic inequality on social and political attitudes, particularly in the context of advanced democracies. The results contribute to the understanding of nationalism and the effects of economic inequality on society.This paper examines the relationship between economic inequality and the formation of national pride across advanced democracies. Using data from five cross-national surveys, the study finds support for the diversionary theory of nationalism, which posits that states generate nationalism to divert citizens' attention from economic inequality and prevent demands for redistributive policies. The study contrasts this with alternative theories, including those based on international conflict and the emergence of new nations. The results show that greater economic inequality is associated with higher levels of national pride, and this effect is consistent across different measures of inequality. The study also finds that international conflict has a less significant effect on national pride compared to economic inequality. The findings suggest that economic inequality plays a more significant role in shaping nationalist sentiments than international conflict or the emergence of new nations. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of economic inequality on social and political attitudes, particularly in the context of advanced democracies. The results contribute to the understanding of nationalism and the effects of economic inequality on society.