Terran exceptionalism

Terran exceptionalism is the belief that the Terran Federal Republic are in some way unique and exemplary compared to other nations. It is a key tenet of Terran civic religion. Since a majority of Terran people are human, Terran exceptionalism is often closely related with similar feelings concerning the human species itself, a line of thinking known as human exceptionalism. 
The principal cause of Terran exceptionalism are the intense patriotism promoted by the Terran State for centuries. Another important set of factors are the military, technological and economic achievements of the country, which are perceived as being disproportionate when its long-term isolation and later entry into stellar affairs are taken into consideration. The doctrine is explicitly a part of the ideology of the Federalists, the dominant political faction in the Federation since the early 2500s.
It traces its roots at the First Contact War, when the Federation was able to defeat the Ur-Han in spite of its technological lag. It was further reinforced by the military victories against and subsequent establishment of the dominions. The Great War initially cemented the doctrine, but the opening-up following the war and increased exchange with aliens by common people have weakened it substantially.