The Changed Meaning Of Nationalism

The concept of nationalism has changed over time, shifting from a positive idea in the late 19th century to a negative one following World War II. Today, it is associated with self-determination against global hegemony. Yoram Hazony's 2018 book "The Virtue of Nationalism" argues that nationalism is essential for preserving freedom, tradition, and cultural meaning. The self-determination of nations became a central slogan after World War I, but it was discredited again following World War II due to aggressive nationalism in Germany and Japan. Globalism took center stage after the war, but the crackup of the Soviet Union and its satellites led to a resurgence of nationalism. In recent years, the struggle between globalism and nationalism has defined world politics, with the UK's decision to withdraw from the European Union marking a turning point. The new nationalism is complex, with some aspects being liberal and others not. The pandemic controls and other global issues have accelerated the nationalist spirit, leading to a dynamic where those advocating for sovereignty face off against those preserving the neoliberal order. This leaves freedom lovers with the question of whether and to what extent freedom is best guaranteed by the national principle, which depends on time and place. Ultimately, the neoliberal order is likely to be replaced by a world of sovereign nations, some of which will be liberal and others not.