The Rise of Nationalism

Will increasing global trends prioritizing nationalism threaten modern democratic structures? 

From “America First” policies in the United States to Brexit in the UK, the growth of right-wing populism and fanatic nationalism have spurred conversations about the security of our democratic structures for ages. With recent turns in policy under the Trump administration–more extremist border control policy and the increased prioritization of sovereignty–nationalism has become a prominent contemporary tenet of our political landscape, raising pressing concerns about its impacts on democracy, social cohesion, and our most marginalized communities. 

Significantly, nationalistic policies have come to heavily undermine minority rights across the globe. Nationalistic rhetoric in Myanmar, a largely Buddhist community, has led to mass systemic attacks against the Muslim minority of Rohingya, culminating in the displacement of over 700 000 Rohingya innocents to Bangladesh as religious threats to national security. Nationally, Trump’s presidency has heavily targeted immigrant communities–enacting the “Muslim Ban” Executive Order to bar Muslim-majority nations from entry to the States. Additionally, the administration has since increased US-Mexico border operations which seek to separate families and frame immigrants–people who Trump states are “poisoning the blood of the country.” Nationalism, an ideology originally built on shared identities, has become increasingly exclusionary and contradictory to its very core of inclusion and equal opportunity –particularly against the principles of our democracy and minority rights. 

However, nationalistic rhetoric has also significantly altered the way the greater electorate engages with democratic structures. Often pushing unflinching commitment to a singular party, nationhood, and set of entrenched values, nationalism has exerted mass manipulative force on spaces for democratic engagement. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán has heavily restricted free press and pushed political agendas across multiple news sources nationwide–eroding what had been a credible and independent news landscape for the larger Hungarian electorate. Orbán’s campaign has even attempted to plant seeds of loyalists into the judiciary sector to dominate legislative influence. President Trump’s administration has also taken a hard stance against the press on seemingly threatening issues for his campaign, including, but not limited to, the delegitimization of the 2020 election. These structures are often the greatest tools for accountability and check-back against radical governments; with the increased dismantling of the press as “an enemy of the American people,” according to President Trump, our democracy and political stability may face serious security concerns. 

Nationalism spans far greater than domestic challenges alone, as it can often be traced back to as the catalyst for international conflict and division. China, one of the most traditionally nationalistic nations, has deeply entrenched itself in historical atrocities through malicious foreign policy and military intervention into Taiwan, the South Sea, and even cyberspaces. Trump’s very recent series of executive orders perhaps also reflects a shift from international cooperation to a greater prioritization of sovereignty. From leaving the World Health Organization to the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, we’ve seen a concerning trend towards independence from international organizations. While these movements can heavily cut down on international expenses in the interests of domestic markets, it also stunts international efforts and collaborative action towards pressing issues including healthcare and climate change. 

Despite its fundamental issues, nationalism does, however, have its own political and social merits. Often used in spaces for hope and pride, nationalism has come to unite people and communities in a shared appreciation for how far our nation has come. Moments like these are important for engagement, growth, and re-alignment to greater issues. In nations such as post-apartheid South Africa, nationalism was used to promote reconciliation and steps towards restorative justice for those in the “Rainbow Nation,” which has since given rise to a liberated nation. Importantly, even Trump’s campaign doesn’t go without inherent value–many of his efforts are in the interest of national security and the growth of domestic industries, even at the expense of global cooperation. While nationalism going unchecked is certainly a deleterious force, its potential to unify and spur common growth is notable. 

All these inherently fragile risks push towards the need to strike balance between sovereign interests and global efforts, between unity and risking marginalized identities–facets of our modern democracy which often don’t receive enough accountability. The importance of checks and balances and addressing nationalistic passion is increasingly important. While nationalism in the heat of the moment may seem like acts of passion and national pride, it is imperative that we reconsider the recurring harms it has on international cooperation, marginalized communities, and the way in which we engage with our own democracy. By understanding the moral risks and potential for utility behind nationalism, our political climate can move forward towards a more sustainable and just future. 

Bryan Dong