Understanding the Emergence of Nationalist Movements Worldwide

 

In the 21st century, nationalism has emerged again as one of the most forceful and polarizing actors in global politics. 

Everywhere in Europe and Asia, in the Americas and Africa, nationalist movements are reshaping political spaces, re-bordering borders, and framing economic, cultural, and security policies. 

While nationalism is not new and has ancient historical foundations, its current resurgence is defined by new characteristics fueled by globalization, immigration, technological change, and changing geopolitics.

This article explores what nationalism is, the past of its emergence, why it has emerged again now, regional examples, and what its implications might be for the future.

#1 Defining Nationalism:

Essentially, nationalism is an ideology founded on the premise that a group of people sharing a common identity most typically in terms of language, culture, history, ethnicity, or religion should be independent and whose national interests should take precedence over any external factors. 

Nationalists are proponents of political independence, economic independence, and cultural safeguarding.

While nationalism may reinforce unity and patriotism, it may also reinforce exclusion, xenophobia, and violence if it turns virulent or unwilling to tolerate diversity.

#2 Historical Background:

Nationalism as a political force has existed for hundreds of years but gained particular prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

It was the motivating force in:

• The American and French Revolutions, as national identity drove independence and self-rule.
• The formation of Germany and Italy in the 19th century.
• The mid-20th-century decolonization movements in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as states fought for freedom from colonial domination.

In the 20th century, nationalism was both a force of liberation and the source of disastrous war. 

It fueled anti-colonial movements along with catalyzing fascism, Nazism, and ethnic violence elsewhere in the world.

#3 The Modern Revival of Nationalism:

Over the past three decades, nationalism has had a very strong revival. 

In contrast to the early nationalist movements, which were more associated with liberation or unification, modern nationalist movements tend more frequently to be in reaction to:

• Globalization and feeling of loss of cultural identity.
• Economic inequality driven by accelerating technological and market change.
• Mass migration and demographic transformation.
• Geopolitical crisis and loss of trust in international institutions.

This wave is not unified nationalism emerges in different ways in liberal democracies, authoritarian states, and emerging economies but common strands run throughout much of the movement across the world.

#4 Principal Drivers Behind the Current Wave:

A) Globalization and Cultural Identity:

Globalization has connected economies and cultures, but also generated fears of cultural homogenization. 

It led many people to think that their social values, languages, and customs are threatened by global consumer culture, foreign culture, and immigration.

B) Economic Discontent:

In the majority of countries, the benefits of globalization have been unevenly distributed. 

Decline in the traditional employment sectors, widening wealth gaps, and a perception that elites gain at the expense of ordinary citizens have funded nationalist rhetoric focusing on the protection of local industries and workers.

C) Immigration and Population Changes:

Migration, both legal and illegal, has changed population composition in nearly every country. 

While it can make societies more vibrant, it can create tensions over jobs, housing, social services, and cultural assimilation that nationalist politicians can readily exploit.

D) Political Polarization:

Political rhetoric fragmentation, driven by social media, has made it possible for nationalist language to spread swiftly. 

Nationalist parties in most countries portray themselves as the defenders of "the people" against corrupt political establishments or foreign powers.

E) Waning Confidence in International Institutions:

Multilateral institutions like the United Nations, European Union, and World Trade Organization have been accused of being slow, bureaucratic, or unilateral. 

Nationalist leaders argue that these institutions undermine national sovereignty.

F) Safety Concerns:

Terrorism, internal conflict in regions, and competition for resources have resurrected an emphasis on border security, military strength, and national security hallmarks of nationalist agendas.

#5 Examples of Nationalist Movements at the Regional Level:

A) Europe:

• Brexit: The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union was chiefly driven by nationalist calls to regain sovereignty, control immigration, and avoid EU regulations.
• Hungary and Poland: Both countries have nationalist regimes that promote national identity, resist certain EU policies, and emphasize Christian heritage.
• France and Italy: Populist-nationalist parties have gained popularity through resisting immigration and EU economic policy. 

B) Asia:

• India: Hindu nationalism has become more dominant under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with cultural heritage, economic protectionism, and militant national defense being the focus of policies.
• China: Nationalism is employed by the Chinese Communist Party to increase legitimacy, asserting territorial claims and popularizing the narrative of reclaiming China's past glory.
• Japan: Nationalist rhetoric influences debate regarding changing constitutional restraints on military expansion.

C) The Americas:

• United States: Donald Trump's "America First" policy of economic nationalism, immigration restriction, and withdrawal from international agreements.
• Brazil: The exploitation of resources and national sovereignty took priority over the environment in the administration of Jair Bolsonaro, often presenting international criticism as an assault on Brazilian sovereignty.
• Mexico: Partly a nationalist issue is resisting perceived U.S. interference in domestic affairs.

D) Africa:

• Ethiopia: Ethnic nationalism has contributed to both unity movements and in civil war, most recently in the Tigray region.
• South Africa: Economic nationalism has been driving debates on land reform and redistribution.
• North African nations: Arab Spring politics have seen nationalist rhetoric tied to religion, culture, and resistance to external interference.

#6 Positive and Negative Qualities of Nationalism:

Positive Qualities:

• National Unity: Can be employed to build social cohesion and collective identity.
• Self-Determination: Provides countries the authority to determine their own destiny without external interference.
• Cultural Preservation: Ensures traditions, languages, and heritage are not destroyed by erosion.
• Policy Priority: Compels the government to give priority to domestic issues.

Negative Implications:

• Exclusion and Discrimination: Risks excluding minorities or immigrants.
• Conflict and Violence: Leads to wars, ethnic cleansing, or territorial conflict.
• Isolationism: Can cause retreating from beneficial international cooperation.
• Economic Dangers: Too much protectionism harms trade and innovation.

#7 The Role of Technology and Media:

The digital age has accelerated the spread of nationalist feelings. 

Social media allows leaders and movements to bypass mass media and speak directly to citizens. 

But social media also allows for echo chambers, where misinformation and the far right have space to thrive.

Algorithms that prioritize emotive content have a tendency to propel nationalist rhetoric into the foreground and propel its reach. 

Online platforms also make coordination of nationalist protests and political campaigns easier across borders.

#8 Nationalism Against Global Challenges:

Ironically, nationalist forces are driven partly by some of the global challenges climate change, pandemics, cyber attacks but these challenges require international cooperation. 

Nationalist movements prefer homegrown action to international agreements. 

This tension has triggered doubts about whether nationalism can coexist at all with the kind of multilateralism that is required to span global crises.

#9 The Future of Nationalist Movements:

The course of nationalism will depend on several factors:

• Economic trends: Crises are likely to unleash nationalism, while booms will have a containing effect on it.
• Migration patterns: Greater displacement due to war or environmental disaster may double nationalism.
• Global governance: Greater effectiveness and transparency in global institutions can re-win public confidence.
• Generational shifts: Each generation, more exposed to other cultures, will be more cosmopolitan or, conversely, look back to national identity in times of uncertainty.

Nationalism is not disappearing it may instead evolve into new forms, combining with environmentalism, regionalism, or cyberactivism.

In conclusion the resurgence of nationalism is a powerful reminder that identity, belonging, and sovereignty matter immensely to people everywhere. 

Although it can drive self-determination and cohesion, it also carries risks of exclusion, fragmentation, and conflict. 

Policymakers, citizens, and global institutions need to be aware of the causes and forms of nationalism in order to navigate an ever-changing political environment.

The future's challenge is to find a balance keep the strengths of national pride without falling victim to the dangers that are threatening peace, cooperation, and human rights. 

Whether nationalism will be a force for good or lead to conflict will depend on how societies choose to direct it in the coming years.