Radical Nationalism

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a discussion on globalization and how it is viewed by both the Western, developed nations and many Third World nations. The paper also examines what both sides construe as the positive and the negative effects of globalization. Paper includes an annotated bibliography.

From the Paper:

"Nationalism is one of the most powerful forces that direct the actions and behaviour of government and citizens. It is most often expressed at high levels when a government and a people feel that their country is under threat, whether this is a real or an imagined threat. An example of a real threat is war, and example of an imagined threat is the belief that globalization is a deliberate strategy adopted by the West, led by the United States, to colonize the world. However, as emphasized in Marianne Gullestad's article, "Invisible Fences: Egalitarianism, Nationalism, and Racism," the notion of globalization as a threat is a popular one, found in practically the majority of world countries, both East and West. The Eastern or third world view of globalization as a conspiracy by the West to dominate their cultures, eliminate their identities and finally undermine their national identities and their right to define, and pursue their national self-interest, may be a bit understandable. However, at the first glance, the Western view regarding globalization as a conspiracy that will gradually undermine their distinctive national cultures and ethnic identity over time, may not be as understandable. This view, supported by reference to rising legal and illegal immigration rates, is hard to accept. This is especially so due to the fact that this argument claims that the conspiracy is carried out by the Eastern, or the weak Third world, against the powerful West. However, regardless of whether or not this entire idea of globalization as a conspiracy is accurate or imagined, many around the world view globalization as a threat to national identity. Therefore, while globalization was believed to be the solution to political, cultural and economic differences between nations, with its supports stating that it was going to create a global form of nationalism and culture, globalization has led to a rise in extremist, or fanatical nationalism throughout many parts of the world, both East and West. The claim that fanatical nationalism is increasing as a response to globalization is proven through both the activities of Islamic fundamentalists on the one hand, and the rising popularity of right wing political groups and racist and extremist nationalist slogans in many countries of the West, on the other."

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