2016

This doesn't require decoding; the interests of the nation equal the well-being of its people.

Of course, it does. Otherwise, it will be no better than a cover for the political elite to mess up their affairs, just like "patriotism." If you object to the actions of the authorities, you are not a patriot; you have betrayed the interests of the nation, you are an enemy of the people. And then you have to prove that the camel isn't you, but the authorities, whom the nation chose to represent its interests.
A simple example is war. How do you determine whether it is in the interests of the nation or in the interests of the elite?

Decoding "nation" would also be helpful. What does it mean in your understanding? The titular nation, citizenship, religious affiliation, or your own version?