[andyjohnson0]

I agree that tribalism probably was one factor that allowed humans to survive to reach the modern era. However, that doesn't mean that it is still a desirable survival trait now that we're in that era. The world is vastly more populated than it was 30,000 years, or even 100 years, ago and the tribes are bigger and have more opportunities for conflict now.

[bdamm]

Tribalism is fine. It's nationalism that has proven disastrous.

[rayiner]

Nationalism is responsible for some of the most technologically advanced societies in recent history (the U.S. and Great Britain). Nationalism is a powerful force for motivating people across class divisions to work together to build things.

[nitrogen]

Okay, if tribalism is an essential human motivator, let's graduate from nationalism to humanism.

[rayiner]

Humans have a limited capacity to empathize with other people. Modern communications technologies and the worldwide export of Western culture has increased that capacity, but it's easy to overestimate how much we can really change in that regard. See, e.g., lofty ideals of pan-European identity being crushed by cold, hard, economic reality.

[nitrogen]

I think you have too little faith in the future. Heck, even if you're right, shouldn't we at least strive toward the unattainable goal of a global "tribe"?