Forgive the slightly blurry image I snapped on my way in to work today. It tickles me to see two brands (BAE Systems and EDF Energy) both promoting the Union Flag in an effort to celebrate our national identity in the same frame.

It got me thinking about how many brands have been adopting nationalist approaches for their brands in the last 12-18 months and to what extent this can be the result of the recession. We have written a few posts as evidence of this rise in nationalism: Sainsbury’s & M&S and Levis.

During times of strike like terrorist attacks, nationalism naturally springs to the surface to help unify us and strengthen resolve. This stalwart nationalist mood wells up in politicians, from major brands and from local green grocers. Once can suppose that the recession, especially in the UK and America might similarly be perceived as a crisis and evoke the prescribed shot in the arm.

Brands sensitive to this national mood play an imporant role in the recovery of our psyche and collective pride. These brands help us adopt a more optimisitic, future-ready perspective. Of course, they will also benefit by serving as an emblem for national pride and a blending of their brand and what it means to be British.