Possible Clues:

• With 20-Across, constructing a country's identity ... or what's happening in the starred answers? (Note: Read the extra letters in order for a bonus)
• China or Chile
• Any Security Council member
• State in NATO organisation
• Race car leaving front of plant
• Not in a dreadful state
• See 49 Down
• Navajo ___
• See 15
• Relative admits taking it back from Ring in the country