A Rise In Nationalism In Many Countries | Discussion

There appears to be a rise in nationalism, borders, and protectionism in many countries around the world. “Globalization” and “cosmopolitan elites” have been portrayed by some leaders and populist movements as threatening to national economies, political institutions, and cultural and social bonds.  Is this criticism compelling?  Why or why not?  Is the upsurge in nationalism likely to last or will it recede as the next wave of globalization emerges? 

There is much evidence taken from the mass media sources that globalization poses certain risks to the nations around the world.  However, at the same time, globalization promotes the activities aimed at global economic integration. According to Ruchir Sharma, the leading global strategist at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, “the age of globalization generated great prosperity” (1). Nations have multiples benefits that come from the flow of goods and free movement for tourists, while the cosmopolitan elites have much more benefits, according to Sharma. This difference in obtaining benefits from globalization can be explained by the growth of inequalities. As a result, “the discontented turned to nationalist firebrands, who promised to impose controls on free trade, global banks and immigrants” (Sharma 1).

Undoubtedly, the reactions to the effects of globalization are unpredictable. In many countries, there is an increased interest in fostering protectionism and nationalism. It is true that the portrayal of  globalization and “cosmopolitan elites” by some political leaders and populist movements is perceived as a threat to the development of national economies, political institutions, and cultural and social bonds. Protectionism is based on developing and implementation of certain strategies aimed at imposing limitations on or barriers to international trade relations  by governmental institutions.  In fact,  protectionism and nationalism go hand in hand to oppose global economic integration.

There is much evidence taken from media sources that both protectionism and nationalism are directed toward the establishing of the total control over national life through fostering economic insulation. This fact means that the growing concerns of nationalists and protectionists are based on the idea of autonomy and prohibition of the strategies and policies that support economic integration.

Nevertheless, this harsh criticism is not compelling because of the absence of substantial reasons for elimination of global economic integration.  According to  Binyamin Appelbaum, an expert in economic policy issues,  “the growth of trade among nations is among the most consequential and controversial economic developments of recent decades” (1). The fact that global trade is no longer rising does not mean that globalization is in the state of stagnation. Statistical data shows that “the volume of global trade was flat in the first quarter of 2016, then fell by 0.8 percent in the second quarter” (Appelbaum 1). This insignificant  decline in global trade may be interpreted as temporary process. Reduction of consumption and financial investments have considerable impacts on global trade, but there is impossible to  stop cross-cultural interaction between the nations that is supported by new technological innovations. Appelbaum, the New York Times reporter, assumes that “voters in developed nations increasingly view themselves as the victims of trade with the developing world”  (1).However, it is an invalid assumption because of the growth of supporters of fair trade as an alternative to free trade. Fair trade is directed toward ethical decision making because it provides dynamic efforts to improve global social justice and strengthen environmental sustainability due to changed market systems.

Moreover, it is possible that the upsurge in nationalism will recede as the next wave of globalization emerges. There are several reasons for this assumption. This might happen because of the  rapid growth of technological innovations that unite nations and the increased significance of information sharing in different fields of productive activities and marketisation. In other words, the continuous globalization of developing and developed economies is inevitable because of the rapid development of technological progress and scientific innovations. The advancement of science and technological progress have led to the reduction of cost of transportation and communication, contributing to the growth of economic globalization. At the same time, the effects of the increased cross-border division of labour result from the close links between production chains of business organizations, large corporations and small and medium sized enterprises of different countries. Globalization provides an opportunity for generating effective tools and environments to escape the spread of nationalism through the expansion of  global rights. According to Sharma, “the global movement of goods, money and people is likely to continue slowing” (1). However, it is impossible to stop human interaction that is fostered by new technologies. It is wrong that “de-globalization follows globalization” (Sharma 1). Currently, all nations are aware of the fact that global problems can be solved by joint actions. If nations pursue common global goals, they have very much in common. Hence,  the global movement of goods, money and people will be continued. President Trump call for strengthening border security and renegotiating trade deals  does not mean that global economic integration will be stopped. It will turn to a new form of globalization which will be focused on sharing  common goals.

Conclusion

Thus, it is necessary to conclude that the upsurge in nationalism and protectionism will recede as the next wave of globalization emerges. The growth of economic globalization is inevitable due to the positive effects of the increased interdependence of world economies. It becomes clear that the cross-border trade is an ongoing process. The flow of international capital is essential for the stability of economic relations between different countries. Besides, the rapid spread of technological innovations contributes to continuous collaboration and cooperation in the varies fields of human activity. Globalization will be continued across the world leading to expansion and integration of markets. Although the consequence of globalization are complicated, there is much evidence that technological progress and the advancement of science will help to promote the emergence of the new wave of globalization.

Works Cited

Appelbaum, Binyamin. “A Little Noticed Fact about Trade: It’s no Longer Rising” The New York Times, Oct. 30 2016. Available from:<https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/31/upshot/a-little-noticed-fact-about-trade-its-no-longer-rising.html>

Sharma, Ruchir. “When Borders Close” The New York Times, Nov. 12 2016. Available from:<https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/13/opinion/sunday/when-borders-close.html?_r=1>

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 28, 2024]
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