Abstract
National identity is a dynamic system of social relations that implies the dissolution of a boundary between self and nation, an expansion of the individual ego into an "imagined community." Since emotions involve the "constant construction, repair and destruction of boundaries around each image of self" they enable us to negotiate our identities and relationships with others.5 Sara Ahmed's concept of affective economies proposes that emotions function as a form of capital that circulates to "align individuals with communities." "27 Several wars later it seemed the debt would be paid off as we got the "clean war" we presumably needed. [...]in his 1991 GulfWar victory speech, President George H. W. Bush credited the War with burying the specter of Vietnam forever "in the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula. In her view, both leaders exhibited narcissistic personalities that made them highly susceptible to shame and humiliation. "Since the personality of political leaders can have such a profound impact upon the policies of their states," Steinberg contends, "we need to pay much greater attention to that factor. In a conflict or war situation, it can also make conciliation unlikely since neither side can seek nonviolent solutions to their conflict for fear of appearing "weak" or "wrong." [...]the dread of losing face also curtails the potential to negotiate a peace.