R: The World Needs More Nationalism (Alumni Debate)

Nationalism is a conception of national identity that motivates people to pursue the good of their own nation over the interests of other nations. Nationalism can originate in a strong sense of regional identity, as is the case in places like Catalonia and Quebec. It can also stem from a desire to meld disparate local and ethnic identities into a broader concept of nationhood, such as in post-Imperial China or Francoist Spain. Nationalism sometimes takes the form of independence movements, which the Balkans witnessed to devastating effect during the 20th-century. At other times, nationalists seek to recover lost territories that are believed to be part of one's national heritage, such as in modern-day Israel and Palestine, or in pre-World War II Germany and Italy. Nationalistic movements are not always violent. Composers like Antonin Dvorak and Ralph Vaughan Williams can be considered nationalists, for using folk melodies and seeking to develop distinctive musical textures for their respective nations. Trade protectionism, language preservation programs, and the promotion of traditional festivals can all stem from nationalistic impulses.

 

Would the world benefit from an increase in nationalistic sentiment? Many commentators in the Western media suggest that nationalism is to blame for China's increasing aggression, the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, and the Trump Administration's uncooperative attitude towards many countries. Indeed, one might wonder whether nationalism can thrive independently from arrogance and conflict? On the other hand, globalism would seek to detach people from their connections to a homeland, thus depriving them of an important source of identity and community. Theresa May once remarked, "if you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere." But is nationalism an acceptable alternative to globalism?

 

Please join us on Friday, October 30 at 8 pm ET, as the Federalist Party debates R: The World Needs More Nationalism.