Republicanism is the best form of government. Civic nationalism is the best form of culture. (solutions, dictators)

[Avondalist]

As in most things, the middle way, or via media, is the best way. A middle way should be followed both within a society and outside of that society.

Republicanism is a middle way between democracy and dictatorship, within a society. Democracy is anarchic and unwieldy. Dictatorship has tunnel vision and is unstable. Republicanism is democracy with a preference for elite leadership. This means the unworkable policies that would be chosen in a democracy are less likely to be adopted, harnessing the power of meritocracy that dictatorship uses so well. Republicanism is dictatorship with a preference for popular legitimacy and imaginative solutions. Because more people are involved in decision making, more options are on the table and people feel included and empowered.

Civic nationalism is a middle way between cosmopolitanism and ethnic nationalism, outside of a society. Cosmopolitanism is alienating and does not command loyalty. Ethnic nationalism is xenophobic and susceptible to groupthink and isolationism. Civic nationalism fosters a shared culture that insulates people from the anomie of cosmopolitanism and gives them a reason for being, something to fight for, and something to unite around. Civic nationalism also accepts outsiders who conform to civic values, replenishing talent within society and opening up thinking to new ideas.

Contrary to some misconceptions, Rome was neither built in a day nor was it built strictly by Romans. Classicists from Edward Gibbon to Mary Beard have recognized that the genius of Roman civilization was that it was a coherent culture that was also open to outsiders. Unlike classical Athens, in which only ethnic Athenians could vote, Rome permitted foreigners and even slaves to become citizens. This was a huge talent magnet and legitimizing force within the republic and empire. It is a misconception that Rome collapsed because it allowed foreigners to staff its army and bureaucracy. That process had been at work for centuries before the western empire collapsed. Quite simply the Romans were not some sort of ubermensch that could have kept the empire together if they had not lost discipline. Even if that were true, ethnic Romans and Italians were not numerous enough to administer the entire empire. Foreigners were naturalized as a practical matter, and it worked for a very long time. In fact, naturalized Greeks kept the eastern empire running for another thousand years.

At the same time, Rome demanded loyalty to Rome and a baseline of shared values, which in government was respect for the system of progressive promotion of officials, and of course paying your taxes. Until the end, Rome was not a pushover that allowed outsiders to come in, maintain dual loyalties or be subversive, and live off government benefits, such as they were.

Civic nationalism grants rights to outsiders, and also demands responsibilities from them. Cosmopolitanism does not demand responsibilities of outsiders, and ethnic nationalism does not grant rights to outsiders.

Both republicanism and civic nationalism are balances that must be struck, perched as they are on top of a hill with slopes to either side. This requires constant work to maintain, but is well worth the effort.