Globalization versus Nationalism

Globalization can be said to be a brainchild of the phenomenon known as Nation-Sates, a building block of nationalization itself. However, new dimensions are added to the debate between the two notions and hence it has become a this versus that debate with both sides having some viable opinions to back itself.

Globalization has been often synonymous to world becoming a global village A village is the smallest cultural and administrative unit of an area hence by shrinking the proverbial globe into a village itself entails a movement in which the amalgamation of all its inhabitants is sought. According to some, this process has already peaked and can be viewed in the form of increased linkages through trade, communication and the shortening of travel times between far-flung places. Thus globalization as a concept is well on its way to engulf the imagination of the global populace.

Globalization as a movement emerged only after Europe got ravaged by two devastating wars. Europe's savior, the United States insisted that a new world order be created on the lines of increased cooperation and interdependence rather than a hostile approach. Hence, the formulation of Breton Woods institutions or commonly known as the IMF, World Bank etc. The institutions would usher in a new era with the United States itself at the top of the pile controlling the dissemination of ideas such as democracy and financial structure such as capitalism.

The United States' independence was clearly achieved as a result of the teachings of the treaty at Westphalia which gave concepts such as Nation state, sovereignty and the territory of a nation. Nationalism didn't spring up in an instance after Westphalia, but it took some 200 years for a nation to embrace its tenets as it's own when the Americans achieved independence and the French Revolution took on the monarchy and embraced nationalism. Nationalism can be based on unity in ethnic links, cultural and societal similarities which strengthen the bond of unity upon which the modern nation states stand on. According to researchers studying politics, Nationalism has indeed become an ever present phenomenon that unites the populace towards the achieving of common goals. This increased sense of belonging also increases bipartisan and racial characteristics in a society where they only deem their own society worthy of protection.

Hence the question arises from the above descriptions about the two contrasting concepts is which will prevail in the long run? On one hand, Globalization is based on total integration and to merge cultural identities into one huge melting pot, while nationalism looks singularly towards creating homogeneity in one way or other to promote singular objectives being realized. According to Tammam Abdul Sattar, the two competing philosophies can either co-exist together, globalization may diminish nationalism or undermine it completely.