The survival and unity of a nation gives substantial long term benefits, contrary to what you believe, because effective nations make modern life possible through their guarantee of property rights and rule of law which are both prerequisites for any substantial economic activity. Not only this, but they also facilitate managed capitalism within their borders through their enforcement of regulation and wealth transfers in the form of taxation and public spending.
The nation is an integral part of the global economic and social structure not because of petty adherence to "tradition" as you believe, but because it plays a necessary and valuable role.
Given this, to say Patriotism is unproductive or backwards is foolish.
Nations are fundamentally a collection of people and entities that accept (sometimes begrudgingly) living in a union is better than living apart. It's important that people feel proud of their union and value its existence just as two people in a romantic relationship must value that relationship in order for it to survive and thrive.
The nation is an integral part of the global economic and social structure not because of petty adherence to "tradition" as you believe, but because it plays a necessary and valuable role.
Given this, to say Patriotism is unproductive or backwards is foolish.
Nations are fundamentally a collection of people and entities that accept (sometimes begrudgingly) living in a union is better than living apart. It's important that people feel proud of their union and value its existence just as two people in a romantic relationship must value that relationship in order for it to survive and thrive.