[familyop]

"What works? Any thoughts?"

...my guess:

Disseminating moral repairs for cultural flaws to whole populations that live under power-hungry despots might do it. National pride should be based on good deeds--not imaginings of inherent superiority or physical power to expand into becoming empires.

But that wasn't helpful toward a quick solution, was it.

[ProCivitas]

Well, no, not a quick solution, but you're probably right about the cultural flaws problem.
Maybe concerted mass-communications and advocacy across borders could work, like Radio Free Europe, Radio Marti etc. advocating the 'good deeds' and productive peaceful basis for real national honor.