The patient confides in Hana that the idea of nations misleads individuals. The English Patient explores how characters try to surpass the confines of national identities, but it emphasizes their vulnerability and inability to succeed because of the overpowering influence of politics, governments, and the war around them.

In the desert, the patient and his diverse circle of friends felt free from the need to define themselves by nationality. Distant from European politics, they could let go of their national identities. Yet, the war eventually dragged European politics into the desert, leading to the collapse of the Geographical Society and symbolically crushing the patient's aspiration to transcend national identities. The patient's closest companion, Madox, chose to end his life rather than be compelled to support Britain against others solely on the grounds of nationality. Tragically, it was the patient's name, with its implied nationality, that stopped him from rescuing Katharine. English soldiers stationed outside the desert captured him instead of aiding his rescue of Katharine because his Hungarian name suggested a false link to their enemy. Ultimately, the patient relinquished his identity only through the literal loss of his face, as severe burns rendered him unrecognizable.

Kip also endeavors to bridge national divides by harmonizing his Sikh heritage with British Christian culture. His effort to fit in is symbolized by adopting the nickname given to him by British soldiers; throughout the story, he is referred to as "Kip" rather than "Kirpal Singh." For Kip, however, overcoming nationality is even more challenging due to his Asian race. As part of the British Army's elite sapper unit, his Indian identity is unmistakable, marked by his skin color, which is frequently highlighted in the novel. Even while defusing a bomb, he remains deeply aware of his skin color and his outsider status. Kip initially joins the British Army, believing he can rise above British racism and find acceptance by disregarding the societal rules, both spoken and unspoken, that limit his personal freedom. However, by the novel's conclusion, the bombing of Hiroshima—a brutal act he perceives as fueled by Western racism against Asia—convinces Kip that he cannot escape the West's prejudiced views. He leaves the British Army and returns to his homeland, reclaiming his name, Kirpal Singh. Although he loves Hana, Kip leaves her behind, symbolizing his complete acceptance of the national identities he once fought to overcome, associating Hana, a white Canadian, with Western racism.