The Undermining Of Nationalism By Globalization - Essay Example

Is nationalism undermined by globalization? To start with, it is very important to define what nationalism and globalization indeed are. Nationalismis the basis of people living within a nation and propagating their thoughts and beliefs in the light of one political entity. On the other hand, globalization takes into perspective the entire world as a single body. Nationalism is an important phenomenon, as it highlights the basis of the state as being on the primary position. This belief is not shared in the same light by the globalization regimes where the focus is on the global tangents more than anything else. Since nationalism focuses on the patriotic feeling, globalization does not have any such attachments so to speak (Taylor 2002). The element of a proper national identity seems amiss when one discusses the finer aspects related with globalization, as this has added to the internationalization of individuals, companies and events in entirety. There is a great deal of learning at hand with regards to nationalism and globalization which will be discerned and discussed during the context of this paper. Nationalism is a combination of the national rights that an individual has for his own nation. But globalization does not agree with the same premise. Therefore nationalism has more relation with the nationalistic stance as compared to the globalization debate. In some viewpoints, nationalism goes one step ahead of globalization and hurts its cause. Therefore it would not be wrong to suggest here that the nationalism regimes get seriously undermined by the globalization approaches that are undertaken every now and then. The companies have also held on to this belief for a long time now, especially with the advent of the globalization realms which have shaped up the world, and have played their vital role at changing perspectives. Since individuals and corporations have long relied on the extent and positives attached with the phenomenon of nationalism, globalization has taken a nosedive especially within the quarters of the patriotic feelings and sentiments (Moeller 2006). However this cannot be said with reference to the business conglomerates, multinational organizations and business corporations of repute who have for long believed in the premise of going global and staying within the national domains as well. There are some hindrances in terms of studying the globalization ranks but one thing which assures the debate is that globalization is here to stay as it brings quite a few positives which the phenomenon of nationalism has been unable to inculcate or provide in the recent past. Nationalism can be taken control over yet globalization remains an entity which is still unexplored and there is much to learn in the coming days (Guibernau 1996). Globalization is a very strong and mighty phenomenon which can easily absorb the nationalism concept yet nationalism keeps on coming back to haunt the basis of globalization in the current times. Perhaps the research has not been this conclusive as has been envisaged by the theorists and proponents of globalization every now and then. Globalization remains a strong factor within the changing world dynamics and its place cannot be substituted at all. This is a proven fact and much research has already been done in this regard. Nationalism is a strong and potent force but perhaps not so when one thinks and contemplates the study on globalization. This is the reason why some researchers and theorists strongly believe that globalization will usurp the rights and extents of the nationalism phenomenon which remains a reality in its own right. Nationalism has a number of ideas within its folds – these include the basis of self-determination, culture and patriotism whereas its core values have been in the genres of independence, organic safety and self-determination. Globalization goes one step ahead and discusses the same in the light of the cultural and societal expansions, the measurement of the entire world as one single entity and an absolutely solid belief in one-humanity and the related concepts. There are some differences that distinguish the two, but it must be comprehended here that these differences bring to light quite a few important pointers, all of which are significant towards the study of whether or not globalization has played its positive or at times a negative role in undermining the phenomenon of nationalism. Nationalism remains a reality but it has now been overshadowed by the talk of globalization, and more so by the people who have always believed in a patriotic message intended for the entire world and its different nations which are spread across seven continents (Carter 1997). Globalization is here to stay and one can safely state that nationalism can be improved if it follows the pathway which globalization has for long taken on. However serious efforts need to be taken on the part of the individuals who believe in the might of nationalism to step up the gas and bring forward changes within the nationalism concept and its related linkages. If nationalism undermines globalization, it is because nationalism does not define the extent to which it can bring about a solid change within the lives of the business fraternity. The globalization ranks depend a great deal on expansion and dealing with new markets and territories around the world. However nationalism limits the basis of growth and development for the sake of the business. At times, nationalism remains unclear because there is no proper definition of a nation. If the nation is defined in a quantifiable manner, the scope is not described in essence, which is a source of dismay within the business ranks (Smith 2003). Therefore the focus should be on doing things which are quantifiable yet defined in an adequate way by all and sundry. If nationalism is unable to contribute towards the overall wellness of the business enterprise and the industry as a whole, it is the mistake and the shortcoming on the part of its advocates and indeed the whole phenomenon of nationalism. One must understand that nationalism can only get developed if there are proper efforts underway to groom it in a manner which is feasible and attainable, all at the same time. Any shortcoming or mishap in this regard would essentially and most definitely mean that globalization takes the front seat and that too for all the right reasons. Therefore much can be understood from this dictum if proper consideration is paid towards the relevant ranks. Globalization does always take the important role because it talks about all nations and not just one single nation. Its boundary is not limited, which speaks for its success within the related discussions (Morris & Morton 1998). Moving on with this subject in mind, there is a great deal of debate when one comes across the myth of change. This change could be for good or for bad. Now what nationalism and globalization do in essence is to differentiate the exact basis of the two, and how these play significant roles within their related capacities. Change happens on a regular and most consistent basis, and hence it should be comprehended in a manner which is close to one’s understanding levels. If change does not manifest its truest basis, businesses would not advance on their technological tangents and there would be several missing angles that would exist within the dynamics of trade, commerce, agriculture and a number of other related fields. The innovation and technological domains would also fall short on a number of counts, which is drastic news for any business enterprise (Calhoun 1993). These matters should be discussed in a proper vein so that no missing links are found, as the world is moving from a phase of nationalism to one of a globalization one. This is indeed good news for the business regimes who are constantly on the move, and that too for the overall goodness of industries worldwide. If business fraternities remain aloof of the global threats that they face on a consistent basis, it is their own mistake. However if they keep a constant check on what is happening, and how things are shaping up every now and then, with a perspective that is geared to be foreign rather than national, success will indeed be achieved. Nationalism does not bring the intended results which globalization does in the long run, and hence picking the winner between the two becomes quite an easy task. Globalization after all, discusses the migration of technology, the cash flows, the foreign direct investment and trade across a number of different countries of the world, which nationalism fails to address within a singular nation of the world (Axford, Browning, Huggins & Rosamond 2002). The latter falls short on a number of counts and specifically where the resources are lackadaisical and there is absolute poverty existent within a state. Globalization comes into the equation as the people acquire jobs and look after the social well-being of not only their own selves but also of their families in the long run context of things. Here globalization is helpful because it oversees how the positive change comes about and how this change is developed over the course of time, through thick and thin. The debate on whether either of the two – nationalism or globalization – plays the trick becomes an even more important one. Another tangent that establishes as to how globalization takes nationalism for granted comes out in an apparent manner when one tries to discuss the basis of the resources that are provided by both of these phenomena. Since globalization meshes the talent pool of individuals and business organizations from different countries, nationalism focuses on just a singular nation. In essence, the positives and ramifications from an optimistic viewpoint which are brought forward by globalization far outweigh the ones presented by nationalism. The different world regions which have strongly believed in the premise of globalization are referred to as truly ‘globalized’ as these have laid emphasis on doing things right for the sake of the people at large, barring any discriminations whatsoever. Globalization does take place in a number of different spheres of life, most important of which include the financial, industrial, economic, health and political domains. If these domains are left at the mercy of the nationalism regimes, there would be a number of significant issues that would crop up (Danks 2001). The different sectors that are affected by globalization include the cultural, social, entertainment, sports and business to name a few. The brain drain is one of the positives of globalization which can easily be remarked as a negative on the part of the nationalism approach. This is because the talent of one country is taken out by the world’s stronger nations and then used for the collective good of the world as a whole. The superpower nation of the world, the United States of America makes sure that the most competent people on the face of this earth are acquired by it and are given the economic and legal cover so that they grow the basis of the first world countries and bring more advancements and technological expertise within the related ranks (Malveaux 2001). In the end, it would be fairly adequate to state here that nationalism is being undermined by the ranks of globalization in more than a single way. However the criticism in the wake of nationalism and globalization will indeed remain as long as the two are under discussion. All said and done, it is of paramount significance to state that indeed the nationalism concept and the national identities take a backseat when the global world is discussed. This is because a global world is a much better accomplishment for its inhabitants than the segregated folks who end up fighting for food, shelter, economic well being, prosperity and so on. The global world has a number of incentives and benefits for the peoples of the world within its arms. The duty of the policy makers within the world is to understand their due responsibilities and carve out all possible advantages for the different peoples of the world (Reich 1999). This could mean that a young boy living in Rwanda has absolutely equal rights when compared with the President of the United States of America. However this is easier said than done but then again there must be a sound beginning from somewhere. The world must wake from its deep slumber and comprehend the lack of oneness and unity within its ranks. It should take note of the fact that a lot of prosperity and happiness is waiting with her arms wide open if only people understand what is good for them, now and within the future. There is no need to recall the past and shed tears over it. (2,111 words) Bibliography Axford, Barrie, Browning, Gary, Huggins, Richard & Rosamond, Ben. (2002). Politics: an Introduction, 2nd Edition, Routledge Calhoun, Craig. (1993). Nationalism and Ethnicity. Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 19 Carter, April. (1997). Nationalism and Global Citizenship. The Australian Journal of Politics and History, Vol. 43 Danks, Catherine J. (2001). Globalization and National Identities: Crisis or Opportunity? Palgrave Guibernau, Monserrat. (1996). Nationalisms: the nation-state and nationalism in the twentieth century. Cambridge: Polity Press Malveaux, Julianne. (2001). Globalization, Culture & Sharing. 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