Globalism vs. Nationalism: The Ideological Struggle of the 21st Century

Globalism vs. Nationalism: The Ideological Struggle of the 21st Century

Much of today’s politics does not surround Socialism, Communism Marxism or Democracy; it is about Globalism versus Nationalism. One could say the displacement of a nation's sovereignty by a Global Power Center.

For much of the 20th century, ideological discussions and debates have centered on liberal versus conservative, left versus right.  No longer.  The ideological divide of the 21st century is emerging as globalism versus nationalism.  Since the end of World War II, global integration and technological progress have fueled a new world order centered on free trade, open borders and interdependent economies.  Goods, capital and people should be able to move freely across borders, which is actually the meaning of globalization.  But Greg Ip of the Wall Street Journal argues that globalism is a “mindset that globalization is natural and good, that global governance should expand as national sovereignty contracts.”  The new nationalist surge has startled and shocked the advocates of globalism. Brexit is a sound example. And to the shock of many, the leadership of Russia by Putin.