Nationalism has always had a presence in political discourse, but its recent resurgence has caught many by surprise. Is this a temporary flare-up driven by current events, or is it a sign of a long-term shift in the global political landscape? From the streets of Budapest to the halls of Washington, nationalism is back in the spotlight, with leaders capitalizing on the sentiment to rally support and consolidate power. But as with all political movements, it’s important to ask: is nationalism here to stay, or will it fade into the background as quickly as it emerged?
To understand the rise of nationalism, we must first look at the factors driving it. In an era marked by global interconnectivity, many people feel increasingly disconnected from the broader global community. Economic insecurity, cultural displacement, and fears of losing national identity have created fertile ground for nationalist movements to grow. Whether it’s the rhetoric of “America First” or the “Make Britain Great Again” slogan, nationalism offers a simple, compelling answer to complex questions about national sovereignty, cultural preservation, and economic decline. The appeal is obvious: it promises a return to a more prosperous, unified past where citizens could feel proud of their nation’s identity and autonomy.
But the global rise of nationalism isn’t just about rhetoric; it’s about a genuine feeling of alienation that has been felt by millions of people. The forces of globalization, while bringing unprecedented levels of economic growth and cultural exchange, have also led to a growing sense of disenfranchisement. Jobs have moved overseas, communities have been upended by immigration, and traditional industries have been left in the dust. In this context, nationalism presents itself as a response to these changes—an antidote to the chaos of a rapidly changing world. For many, it offers the promise of regaining control over their own destiny, both economically and culturally.
However, while nationalism may seem like the perfect answer to the problems of the modern world, there are several challenges that accompany this ideology. One of the most significant is the question of whether nationalism can truly deliver on its promises. The very notion of “putting one’s country first” implies a rejection of global cooperation, yet in today’s interconnected world, such an approach can be counterproductive. The economy no longer operates in isolation, and the issues we face—climate change, pandemics, terrorism—require global cooperation. The tension between nationalism and globalism is likely to be one of the defining issues of the 21st century.
At the same time, we must consider the ethical and social implications of nationalism. At its worst, nationalism can be a force for division, intolerance, and xenophobia. The rise of far-right movements in Europe, as well as the growing popularity of leaders who advocate for isolationist policies, has led to a backlash against immigrants, refugees, and minority groups. Nationalism, when unchecked, can create an “us vs. them” mentality that fosters hate and fear rather than unity. This is where the line between patriotism and extremism becomes dangerously thin. It’s one thing to love your country; it’s another to demonize others for not being part of it.
Real-world examples of nationalist policies highlight both the potential and the peril of this movement. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, popularly known as Brexit, was driven in large part by nationalist sentiments. While some saw it as a reclaiming of British sovereignty, others viewed it as an economic and political disaster. The long-term consequences of Brexit are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: nationalism doesn’t come without significant trade-offs. The promise of a more self-reliant nation can quickly turn into a harsh reality of economic hardship and political isolation.
In the United States, the election of Donald Trump marked a turning point in the country’s political climate. Trump’s “America First” agenda resonated with many voters who felt left behind by the forces of globalization. His brand of nationalism, however, also brought with it a polarizing and combative style of politics that alienated large segments of the population. Trump’s presidency exposed deep divisions within American society, and the legacy of his tenure continues to shape political discourse in the country. The rise of nationalism in the U.S. also prompted a resurgence of anti-globalization sentiments, particularly in response to the perceived loss of American manufacturing jobs and the growing influence of foreign powers.
Elsewhere in the world, leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Jair Bolsonaro the former president of Brazil have leveraged nationalist rhetoric to consolidate power and curtail democratic norms. Orbán’s government has faced widespread criticism for its authoritarian tendencies, and Bolsonaro’s policies have drawn comparisons to those of far-right populists. These leaders have successfully tapped into the frustrations of their citizens, offering simple solutions to complex problems, but at what cost? The rise of illiberal democracies around the world highlights the dangers of unchecked nationalism and the potential for democratic backsliding.
Yet, despite these challenges, the rise of nationalism cannot be easily dismissed. It speaks to a fundamental human desire for belonging, identity, and security. In an age of uncertainty, nationalism offers a sense of stability and control. For many, it represents a form of resistance against the forces of globalism that they feel have eroded their way of life. As such, nationalism is unlikely to fade away anytime soon. The question, however, is whether it will evolve into a more inclusive, cooperative force or whether it will continue to be a source of division and conflict.
The future of nationalism will depend on how it is shaped by political leaders, institutions, and the broader public. If nationalism can be channeled into a force for positive change, it has the potential to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. For example, a nationalism that prioritizes environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations could help drive action on climate change. A nationalism that emphasizes social justice and equality could help address the growing disparities between rich and poor. But these are not easy goals to achieve, and they will require a reimagining of what nationalism means in the 21st century.
One thing is certain: nationalism is not a monolithic ideology. It takes on different forms in different countries, depending on the historical, cultural, and political context. In some countries, nationalism is closely tied to a sense of ethnic or religious identity, while in others it is more focused on economic or political sovereignty. The diversity of nationalist movements around the world means that we must be careful not to generalize or oversimplify the issue. While some forms of nationalism are rooted in exclusionary or authoritarian ideologies, others are driven by a desire for greater democracy and self-determination.
In many ways, the rise of nationalism reflects a broader crisis of confidence in the existing political order. As traditional political parties and institutions struggle to adapt to the changing realities of the modern world, many people are turning to alternative ideologies, including nationalism, to express their discontent. This shift is not unique to any one country or region; it is a global phenomenon that reflects a broader sense of disillusionment with the status quo. Nationalism, in this sense, is both a symptom and a cause of the larger political upheavals we are witnessing today.
In conclusion, the rise of nationalism is not a passing trend, nor is it a guaranteed path to a better future. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that will continue to shape the political landscape for years to come. Whether nationalism leads to greater unity or deeper division depends on how it is embraced and practiced. If it can be harnessed to promote inclusivity, cooperation, and social justice, it could become a force for good. But if it continues to be used as a tool for exclusion and fear-mongering, it will only deepen the divides that already exist. The future of nationalism is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: it will be a central issue in the politics of the 21st century.
As we look ahead, it’s important to remember that the story of nationalism is still being written. What we do now, how we engage with this powerful force, will determine whether it becomes a catalyst for positive change or a vehicle for further polarization. The next chapter is ours to write, and the stakes have never been higher.
