Humans, groups (ideological, religious, e.g.), and organizations (states, corporations, e.g.) need justification and approval for their actions. Moral superiority provides a comfortable zone to sustain these actions regardless of the consequences. Moral superiority is the idea that you can do things in normal conditions even while they are unlawful, immoral, and incorrect.
The idea has created wars, conflicts, and discontent. Human history is full of cases such as crusades, the Thirty Years’ War, jihad, nationalism, and liberation wars. Religions and political regimes have used this narrative to empower their actions. Most religions teach their believers that they are superior to others because they see themselves as true believers. Some states justify and teach their fellow citizens that democracy or socialism is the best regime for society. Hitler argued that the German nation was superior to others. This cost the death of over 60 million people.
The moral superiority idea not only acts as a glue for followers, but also consolidates them through antagonism—us vs. them. People use this understanding to justify their actions, empower themselves, and crush their opponents or rivals.
Some think the best approach to protect your position against these moral superiority narratives is to categorically refuse unlawful, immoral, and incorrect actions. While this may leave you alone in crowds, you can have a real compass encompassing all ideologies and nations.
Power gives the power holder the ability to shape the thoughts of others. If a moral superiority narrative becomes widespread in public, dangerous outcomes are likely to emerge.