Atif Mehmood | Published February 18, 2025
The author is deeply interested in social and political issues, focusing on analyzing their impact on society and policy development. It is to be noted that the opinions articulated herein are exclusively the author’s own and do not reflect the views or stances of the author’s employer or those of Pakistan Chronicles Online. For correspondence, the author may be contacted at atif@live.ie.
Nationalism, a potent and often contentious force, is experiencing a resurgence across the world, reshaping political, social, and economic landscapes. This revival stems from growing discontent with globalization, which, despite its benefits, has deepened economic inequalities and cultural anxieties. Many citizens feel left behind, witnessing the decline of traditional industries and rising economic insecurity, fostering a desire for national self-sufficiency.
Immigration has further heightened concerns about cultural erosion, leading to nationalist rhetoric that promotes unity and the preservation of heritage. The rise of populist leaders, both a result and a driver of this movement, reflects widespread disillusionment with traditional political institutions. These figures capitalize on nationalist sentiments, advocating sovereignty, rejecting globalism, and pledging to restore power to the people. While nationalism offers a sense of identity and control, it also carries profound implications for global stability and cooperation.
The resurgence of nationalism today is a complex and multifaceted response to global political, economic, and social challenges. Economic stagnation, income inequality, and job displacement have fuelled nationalist sentiment, prompting calls for trade protectionism and self-sufficiency. Large-scale migration has led to demographic shifts, intensifying cultural and political tensions, with nationalist movements advocating stricter immigration policies and the preservation of national identity.
Geopolitical rivalries between major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia have further strengthened nationalist rhetoric, while social media has amplified divisive narratives and anti-globalist sentiments. Though nationalism can foster unity and pride, it also risks political isolation, societal discord, and global instability. Understanding its regional variations provides deeper insight into its evolving influence worldwide.
Nationalism has been on the rise across Europe for over a decade, driven by concerns over immigration, economic struggles, and dissatisfaction with the European Union. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally secured 41.5% of the vote in the 2022 election, emphasizing stricter immigration policies and prioritizing French identity. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained strong support, particularly in the east, polling as high as 21%, opposing EU immigration policies and advocating German sovereignty. Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party won the 2022 elections, making her Italy’s first far-right prime minister since WWII, focusing on national pride and border security. Hungary & Poland, both nations are ruled by nationalist governments, with Viktor Orbán and Poland’s Law and Justice Party (PiS) championing conservative, nationalist values. Across Europe, nationalist movements are reshaping policymaking, reflecting a broader shift toward sovereignty, cultural preservation, and resistance to globalization.
Nationalism in the United States has risen under the banners of “America First” and “Make America Great Again” since the 2016 elections. This shift has been marked by imposing tariffs, particularly on China, to strengthen domestic industries, reinforcing border security and tightening immigration laws, and intensifying debates on national identity, race, and American values. This nationalist resurgence continues to shape the nation's political landscape and global position.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2014, nationalism in India has become increasingly intertwined with Hindu identity. The rise of Hindutva has influenced governance, leading to the revocation of Article 370, altering Jammu and Kashmir’s status. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) grants citizenship to persecuted minorities but excludes Muslims, sparking debates on inclusivity. The "Make in India" initiative promotes domestic manufacturing and reduces reliance on imports. This nationalist movement is reshaping India’s political and economic landscape, strengthening Hindu cultural heritage while advancing national self-sufficiency.
Latin America has experienced a surge in nationalism, driven by economic sovereignty and resistance to foreign influence like in El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele has asserted control over the economy and crime, notably adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Under Jair Bolsonaro (2019–2022) in Brazil, nationalism focused on anti-globalization, conservative values, and resistance to Amazon regulations. In Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has prioritized domestic energy production and reduced reliance on the U.S. Unlike right-wing nationalism in Europe and the U.S., Latin American nationalism blends leftist populism with economic protectionism, shaping a unique regional identity.
Nationalism in Africa is largely driven by the desire to control natural resources and achieve economic independence. Democratic Republic of Congo’s government strengthening control over mining contracts to retain more wealth within the nation. Rising nationalist calls for land reform and greater national ownership of industries in South Africa. Prioritizing local oil refining to reduce dependence on multinational corporations in Nigeria. At its core, African nationalism is cantered on economic self-sufficiency, as governments seek to reclaim and harness their natural wealth for national prosperity.
While nationalism has the power to unite a people, fortify economic resilience, and instil a profound sense of national pride, it is not without its perils. This formidable force, when wielded wisely, can elevate a nation to great prosperity, yet if mismanaged, it may sow discord and strife. Nationalism fosters economic independence, cultural preservation, and national security by promoting domestic industries, safeguarding traditions, and reinforcing sovereign strength. Excessive nationalism can lead to economic isolation by restricting trade, political division by deepening societal rifts, and global tensions by straining diplomatic relations and inciting conflicts.
Thus, nationalism stands as a force both formidable and fraught with peril, demanding the wisdom of careful stewardship to ensure that it elevates a nation's prosperity and strength without eroding its internal harmony or diminishing its stature within the global order. The challenge before the world’s leaders is one of delicate equilibrium to uphold national identity while fostering international cooperation, lest unchecked nationalism descend into xenophobia or economic decline.
The resurgence of nationalism is reshaping the modern world, casting its influence upon domestic governance and the grand alliances of nations. While it serves as a vehicle through which sovereign states may assert their dominion and safeguard their interests, an excess of nationalist fervour risks ushering in political seclusion and discord.
As the nations of the world navigate this profound ideological transformation, the defining question of our time remains: Can nationalism and globalization exist in harmony, or are we witnessing the dawn of an era where divisions among nations shall only deepen? Only the passage of time shall reveal the course that history shall take upon this grand stage.
© 2024 Pakistan Chronicles Online. All Rights Reserved.
The content posted in pakistanchronicles.online community pages is created by members of the public. Hence, views expressed therein may not be those of pakistanchronicles.online. pakistanchronicles.online is not responsible for any content posted by members of the public on pakistanchronicles.online. Ensure to view Disclaimer section of this website for mor information.
