ADVANCED 20-MARK SERIES – PSIR PAPER I
Q14. “Nationalism is being reshaped in the age of globalization.” Discuss and Evaluate.
🔹 INTRODUCTION
Nationalism traditionally refers to the belief that a political community should coincide with a cultural nation. From the French Revolution to anti-colonial struggles, nationalism has been a powerful force of political mobilization.
However, globalization — characterized by economic interdependence, migration, digital connectivity, and supranational institutions — has transformed the meaning and practice of nationalism.
🔹 I. Classical Understanding of Nationalism
- Civic Nationalism (based on shared political values)
- Ethnic Nationalism (based on culture, language, identity)
- Anti-colonial Nationalism
Nationalism historically sought sovereignty and self-determination.
🔹 II. Globalization and the Erosion Thesis
Some scholars argued that globalization weakens nationalism through:
- Open borders and migration
- Global markets
- Supranational organizations
- Transnational identities
Economic interdependence appears to dilute national sovereignty.
🔹 III. Resurgence of Nationalism
Contrary to predictions, nationalism has resurged in the 21st century.
- Protectionist economic policies
- Anti-immigration movements
- Cultural revivalism
- Brexit and sovereignty debates
Globalization has triggered defensive nationalism rather than its disappearance.
🔹 IV. Digital Nationalism
Social media has intensified identity-based mobilization.
- Online cultural assertion
- Information wars
- Cyber sovereignty
Nationalism now operates in digital space.
🔹 V. Cosmopolitan vs National Tension
Cosmopolitan thinkers advocate global citizenship and universal human rights.
Nationalists argue that democracy requires bounded political communities.
The tension between global governance and national sovereignty defines contemporary politics.
🔹 VI. Evaluation
- Nationalism has not disappeared; it has transformed.
- Economic insecurity fuels identity politics.
- Globalization produces both integration and fragmentation.
Modern nationalism is hybrid — combining economic protectionism, cultural assertion, and digital mobilization.
🔹 CONCLUSION
Globalization has reshaped, not replaced, nationalism.
While global interdependence challenges traditional sovereignty, it simultaneously intensifies identity-based political mobilization.
Nationalism in the 21st century is more reactive, digitally mediated, and politically strategic than its classical predecessor.
Shaktimatha Learning – PSIR Advanced Answer Series
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