11.2 Resurgence of nationalism in the 21st century
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Nationalism in the 21st century is shaped by , immigration, technology, and economic inequality. These factors fuel and , creating a perfect storm for to gain traction.
plays a crucial role in fueling nationalist sentiments. Financial crises, stagnant wages, and political dissatisfaction create fertile ground for populist leaders who promise and scapegoat minorities.
Factors and Dynamics of 21st Century Nationalism
Factors in 21st century nationalism
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- Globalization drives economic integration and cultural homogenization leading to backlash
- Immigration and demographic changes alter ethnic compositions spark nationalist reactions
- Technological advancements enable social media echo chambers amplify nationalist messages
- Economic inequality widens wealth disparities within and between nations fuels resentment
- Cultural backlash emerges as perceived threats to traditional values and identities grow
- Geopolitical shifts mark decline of American hegemony rise of multipolar world order
Economic instability vs nationalist movements
- Financial crises (2008 Global Financial Crisis) create job insecurity and unemployment
- Stagnant wages and declining living standards fuel economic anxiety
- Political dissatisfaction grows from distrust in institutions elite disconnection
- Mainstream parties fail to address economic concerns lose credibility
- Nationalist movements scapegoat immigrants minorities promise economic protectionism
- Feedback loop: economic instability fuels political dissatisfaction drives nationalist support
Impact and Consequences of Nationalist Resurgence
Populist leaders and nationalist sentiments
- makes emotional appeals to national identity simplifies complex issues
- portrays elites as corrupt promises to "drain the swamp"
- Media strategies bypass traditional outlets create alternative narratives on social platforms
- Policy impacts increase protectionism trade barriers stricter immigration rules
- Electoral successes include referendum in Europe
Nationalism's impact on global cooperation
- face strain (EU weakening, withdrawal from international agreements)
- Trade relations disrupted by increased tariffs global supply chain disruptions
- Security concerns heighten tensions between nations reduce cooperation on transnational issues
- Climate change response faces challenges to global agreements prioritization of
- and democracy erode in some countries against minorities increases
- Refugee and migration policies tighten reduce willingness to accept refugees
- Potential for conflict grows from nationalist rhetoric increased military spending
Key Terms to Review (19)
Anti-establishment rhetoric: Anti-establishment rhetoric refers to the use of language and communication strategies aimed at critiquing, challenging, or rejecting the existing political, social, and economic systems or institutions. This type of rhetoric often appeals to feelings of discontent among the populace, positioning the speaker as a voice for the 'common people' against perceived corrupt elites or established powers. In the context of the resurgence of nationalism in the 21st century, anti-establishment rhetoric has become a powerful tool for populist movements seeking to mobilize support by tapping into societal frustrations and national identity.
Border controls: Border controls refer to the measures and policies implemented by a nation to regulate the movement of people, goods, and vehicles across its borders. These controls are often used to enforce immigration laws, enhance national security, and manage trade. In the context of the resurgence of nationalism in the 21st century, border controls have become a focal point as nations seek to assert their sovereignty and protect their identities.
Brexit: Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's (UK) decision to leave the European Union (EU), which was formalized through a referendum held on June 23, 2016. This term signifies not only the political and economic implications of this departure but also reflects a broader resurgence of nationalist sentiments within the UK, as many supporters of Brexit viewed it as a reclaiming of sovereignty and control over immigration and laws.
Charismatic leadership: Charismatic leadership is a style of leadership that relies on the personal charm and influence of a leader, often inspiring strong emotional connections and loyalty among followers. This type of leadership can mobilize people toward a common goal, making it particularly effective in movements marked by nationalism or ultranationalist ideologies. Charismatic leaders often create a vision that resonates deeply with the beliefs and values of their followers, which can lead to significant social or political change.
Cultural Backlash: Cultural backlash refers to a reaction against perceived threats to traditional values, norms, and identities, often emerging in response to social changes such as globalization and immigration. This phenomenon can lead to a resurgence of nationalism as individuals or groups seek to reclaim a sense of cultural identity and belonging that they feel is being eroded by modern influences.
Discrimination: Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. This behavior can manifest in various forms, including social exclusion, economic disparity, and systemic inequality, often intensified during periods of rising nationalism, where certain groups may be favored over others.
Economic instability: Economic instability refers to the fluctuations in economic performance that can lead to periods of recession, inflation, or unemployment. It can significantly impact national unity and social cohesion, as individuals and groups may turn to nationalism in response to perceived threats to their economic well-being.
Economic protectionism: Economic protectionism refers to government policies and actions designed to restrict international trade to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. This can include tariffs, import quotas, and subsidies aimed at boosting local businesses and preserving jobs, all of which have gained renewed attention in the context of rising nationalism in the 21st century.
Far-right parties: Far-right parties are political groups that promote extreme nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and often authoritarian governance. They tend to reject multiculturalism and advocate for the preservation of a perceived national identity, often framing their beliefs in opposition to globalization and liberal democratic values. In the 21st century, these parties have gained traction in various countries, driven by economic insecurity, cultural anxiety, and political disillusionment.
Geopolitical shifts: Geopolitical shifts refer to significant changes in the political and strategic landscape of regions or countries, often influenced by factors such as economic power, military strength, cultural influence, and alliances. These shifts can lead to a reconfiguration of borders, power dynamics, and national identities, especially in the context of the resurgence of nationalism in the 21st century, where nations seek to assert their sovereignty and interests amidst global changes.
Globalization: Globalization is the process by which businesses, cultures, and economies around the world become interconnected and interdependent through trade, technology, and communication. This phenomenon has significant implications for how nations interact, leading to a complex interplay between nationalism and global integration.
Human Rights: Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They include the right to life, freedom of expression, and equality before the law, among others. In the context of 21st-century nationalism, the understanding and protection of human rights can clash with national interests and identity, raising significant questions about how states balance sovereignty with global standards of human dignity.
Multilateral institutions: Multilateral institutions are organizations formed by three or more countries to promote cooperation and address global issues collectively. They play a crucial role in fostering collaboration on matters like trade, security, and development, often balancing national interests with the need for global governance.
National interests: National interests refer to the goals and objectives that a nation seeks to achieve, primarily in terms of its political, economic, security, and cultural priorities. These interests shape a country's foreign and domestic policies, guiding decisions that affect its sovereignty, stability, and global position. Understanding national interests is crucial for comprehending how nations define their identities and engage with global challenges.
Nationalist movements: Nationalist movements are organized efforts by a group of people who share common cultural, ethnic, or historical identities to gain self-determination, autonomy, or independence. These movements often arise in response to perceived injustices, oppression, or the desire for political and cultural recognition, leading to a resurgence of national pride and identity in the 21st century.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests and voice of ordinary people, often contrasting them against an established elite. This ideology tends to simplify complex issues and promote a dichotomy between 'the people' and 'the elite', appealing to the emotions and concerns of the general public. Populism can intersect with nationalism, where it emphasizes national identity, and it often resurfaces during times of social and economic unrest.
Territorial disputes: Territorial disputes refer to disagreements between countries or groups over the ownership or control of a specific geographic area. These conflicts often arise due to historical claims, ethnic ties, or strategic interests, leading to heightened tensions and sometimes violent confrontations. In the 21st century, territorial disputes have been closely linked to the resurgence of nationalism, as various groups assert their rights to land based on cultural identity and historical grievances.
Trade wars: Trade wars refer to a situation where countries impose tariffs or other trade barriers on each other to protect their domestic industries. This aggressive economic strategy often stems from nationalist sentiments, as nations prioritize their own interests over global cooperation, leading to retaliatory measures and escalating tensions.
Trump election: The Trump election refers to the 2016 United States presidential election in which Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, won against Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate. This election is notable for its significant rise in nationalist sentiments among various voter demographics, reflecting a broader trend of nationalism resurging in the 21st century across many parts of the world.