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October 10, 2019
Focus On The Values That Make America Great
November 18, 2019Nationalism Is Surging Amid Unprecedented Globalization
Communication technology and economic interdependence connect countries and continents more today than at any other time in the history of civilization. But nationalism is surging amid unprecedented globalization. Why? What could be some underlying reasons?
No doubt if polls were taken, nationalism or one who proclaims to be a nationalist would mean different things to different people. But nationalism is generally understood to mean a country supports and puts its own interests above all else, often at the detriment or exclusion of other countries. A nationalist is one who strongly identifies and promotes this practice.
Globalization is understood to mean the interconnectivity between countries and continents, primarily in terms of business and trade. Cultural knowledge and exchange, shared political interests and policies have been by products, largely because of common well-being if not, indeed, sheer survival.
Global business and economic interests include the imports and exports of food, oil, cars, and other consumer goods, taking place between and among countries all across the world. Political interests and policies address issues like nuclear proliferation, global warming, and the fight against terrorism.
Nationalism Is Surging Amid Unprecedented Globalization. Photo Credit: Moussa81
So, why in the last few years is a move toward nationalism increasing, and the voice of nationalists seem to grow louder. We see it growing among world leaders, America and Britain in particular. President Trump has made the theme “America First” a central part of his platform and the executive actions he has taken during his tenure as president. More than one Prime Minister has made Brexit, the intense effort to remove Britain from the European Union, their priority.
Nationalism is surging amid unprecedented globalization. Why? Is it just economics?
The proponents of nationalism, of putting the interests of their countries first, claims that the primary reasons are economic. But, is that the only reason? Where there has been a surge in nationalism and increase in those claiming to be nationalists, there has also been an increase in racial, ethnic and religious unrest.
There has been an increase in anti-immigration policies, closing of borders to refugees and those seeking a better way of life or political asylum. There has been an increase in violence against racial, ethnic and religious groups who have been citizens for generations, some since the founding of the country. This is particularly true in America and Britain.
Other less prominent countries are waging wars and ethnic cleansing, all under the umbrella of nationalism, protecting national interests.
Nationalism is surging amid unprecedented globalization. Do the real reasons why demand a closer look?
Feature Photo Credit: AlexLMX
33 Comments
History has taught us that some of the greatest wars in the world had their roots in nationalism. It’s sad that humanity is heading down this path again.
You are so right, Sylvia.
No country can survive without the help of other countries. I prefer globalization to nationalism.
You are right, Storm. We are all connected. Coordination and cooperation can very beneficial to all.
Every country is trying to put its interests first. That is in itself not a bad thing but it does have some negative ramifications.
You are right, Anderson, if not done in a balanced and thoughtful way.
Something is happening in the world that makes Nationalism grow. It is not very clear what the reason is yet.
The real reasons for the surge in nationalism needs a closer look. I believe there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The world should be building bridges and not walls. Nationalism can be good in some contexts but if overdone it creates division.
You are right, Teddy.
If unchecked, the surge in nationalism can lead to a more divided and hostile world. Lets hope things change for the better.
Yes, Daphne, it seems that is where we are headed.
Brexit is a direct result result of nationalism. If not checked nationalism may hamper globalization.
Oliver, Brexit is a good example.
In my view nationalism has done more harm than good. Case in point is the increased mass shootings.
Nationalism has been very prominent in the recent past. I think there is more to it than just economic interests.
You do raise a very important issue worthy of some discussion. One would think that nationalism would be less rampant given how globalization is a thing right now.
The idea of nationalism seems to have been powered greatly by US and is now spreading all over the world. Though it’s working for some countries, it seems to be crushing some economies.
Mercy, you are right. Hopefully, with new leadership in key countries, this negative trend will change.
Nationalism reigns much in the EE. The USA, the inhabitants themselves believe so, but I think that the USA. USA. It became very radical regarding nationalism, I prefer globalization more than nationalism.
I think this is a weird moment in history to be nationalist indeed, however it could be a consequence of the major globalization we are experiencing today. People feel threatened their “normal day routine” with challenges they encounter with people from another race / religion that kind of “disturb”, according to them, their daily routine. I personally think theres a way you can use a dose of nationalism and border regulation in the way of making sure which kind of citizens are you letting in in certain counties, are this new citizens gonna be a positive addition to community or a negative addition (citizens who despise the culture and ethnic of the country thats sheltering them).
Alejalot, you make some very good points. We must seek the right balance.
Well I agree even if at some cases it aint like that at all. Whether it is globalization or the pandemic we are all experiencing we have no choice to be Nationalistic and help as much as we can. A few people however still thinks of factors such as race, politics etc which should not be the case. As cliche as this is but it is true. UNITED we stand DIVIDED we fall.
We should fight this war as one. With unseen foe, let it make me us become stronger and united.
I can understand until certain point that leader politician want the best for their countries, however, why do they have the need to smash other countries in the course?, Also, if a nation is build by their own people, people who was borned there but have diferent etnicity, and religion, and the politics and laws look for the bennefic of the mayority, isn’t it ironic that the same politics go against them? it looks like from seom time ago laws and politics are created to benefy the economy and minority groups.
The world is a global village and I agree that nationalism is coming with globalization.. I thinks the disadvantages of nationalism far outweigh its advantages..raging war against race,religion in the name of nationalism is just bad..looking at the case of america,it saddens me that that great country is following that path..just waiting to see where it will all end
What a very informative article. We really need leaders that are nationalistic.
To be candid you deserve the award of the award winning Author and Speaker. Its a true talk that there has been an increase in anti-immigration policies, closing of borders to refugees and those seeking a better way of life or political asylum. Communication technology and economic interdependence connect countries and continents more today than at any other time in the history of civilization. Thanks for your lively posts.
Thank you, Oyeyipo, for your feedback!
There is more to this nationalism surging keeping in mind that people are getting connected by technology. My thought remains that there is need of independence by these countries. That might be the main reason according to my thinking.
Making your country first isn’t that bad you know, but to personal gain is just the bad aspect. Our leaders dictate what’s important nowadays, our voices doesn’t matter
I can say the type of governments we have this days is a more reason for this. 80% of them wants the power again at all cost, making false claims and regulations just for selfish interests. God only should have Mercy on us the citizenry
Globalization itself seemed to collapse amid the surge of repressive nationalism and militarism. Commuincation is very essential to be one with the world.