The Alarming Ascent of Nationalism and Extremism in a Fragmenting World
Nationalism, once a rallying cry for independence and self-determination, has taken a far more exclusionary and aggressive shape in the 21st century. Across continents, the rise of political extremism is eroding democratic institutions, inflaming ethnic tensions, and compromising human rights frameworks that took decades to establish. As states retreat into hardened identities and polarized ideologies, global stability faces unprecedented threats. In an interconnected world, the local has become global, and the surge of nationalism in one region inevitably affects the broader international order. This editorial explores how this resurgent wave is reshaping the world's democratic landscape and what it means for the future of human rights and peace.
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Nationalism Beyond Patriotism
To begin with, it is important to distinguish between healthy patriotism and the kind of nationalism currently dominating political discourse. While patriotism celebrates national values within a framework of inclusion and coexistence, modern nationalism often thrives on exclusion, grievance, and the vilification of the "Other." This phenomenon is not limited to one region or ideology. From the rise of right-wing populism in Europe to assertive nationalism in Asia, and white nationalism in the United States to religious extremism in South Asia, the trend is global.
Moreover, political leaders have harnessed this sentiment to consolidate power, often framing the nation as under siege from internal or external enemies. By manipulating public fear and directing frustration toward immigrants, minorities, or international institutions, they deflect accountability and justify authoritarian practices. Nationalism, in this context, becomes less about love of country and more about control of the narrative.
The Global Stability Question: Nationalism as a Catalyst for Conflict
In addition, rising nationalism has fractured the post-World War II international order, which was built on cooperation, diplomacy, and shared norms. Today, multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the European Union face growing skepticism, often fueled by nationalist rhetoric. As states turn inward, coordination on critical global issues, from climate change to pandemics and arms control, becomes increasingly difficult.
Furthermore, history shows that unchecked nationalism frequently leads to conflict. The recent escalation of regional disputes, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine under the banner of national sovereignty, illustrates how nationalist agendas can destabilize entire regions. Similarly, tensions in the South China Sea, driven by nationalist territorial claims, risk drawing multiple powers into confrontation. In these scenarios, nationalism not only disrupts diplomacy but actively undermines peace.
The Assault on Democratic Institutions
Consequently, the resurgence of nationalism often coincides with the decline of democratic norms. Leaders who present themselves as the voice of the "True people" frequently attack independent institutions such as courts, the press, and electoral commissions. They frame dissent as betrayal and marginalize political opposition. As a result, once-robust democracies begin to erode from within, becoming illiberal or hybrid regimes.
Examples abound. In Hungary and Turkey, nationalist rhetoric has justified crackdowns on civil society and the press. In India, democratic backsliding has been observed in the form of restrictions on dissent and curbs on academic freedom, often under the justification of national security. In the United States, the events surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, laid bare the dangers of populist nationalism and the fragility of democratic norms even in the world's oldest democracy. Moreover, such trends embolden like-minded leaders in other countries, creating a ripple effect that further undermines the global democratic order.
Human Rights Under Siege
Alongside democratic erosion, the surge in nationalism and extremism has contributed to a marked deterioration in human rights conditions worldwide. Minorities, immigrants, and dissenters are the most frequent targets. Nationalist governments often use culture, religion, or ethnicity as tools of exclusion, leading to discriminatory laws, violence, and systemic injustice.
For instance, the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar under a militarized nationalist government shocked the international community and exposed the consequences of ethno-nationalist ideology. In China, the treatment of Uyghur Muslims under the pretext of national security has drawn widespread condemnation. Elsewhere, anti-immigration laws in the United States and parts of Europe are increasingly shaped by xenophobic rhetoric rather than humanitarian considerations.
Additionally, political extremism inspired by nationalist fervor has led to a resurgence in hate crimes, online radicalization, and the normalization of bigoted language in public discourse. In effect, nationalism reconfigures human rights from being universal protections into conditional privileges, contingent on one's alignment with the dominant identity.
Polarization and the Crisis of Social Cohesion
What is more, nationalism often splits societies into binary camps, fostering an us-versus-them mentality. This undermines the pluralistic foundations of modern democracies and corrodes social cohesion. Citizens are no longer seen as fellow participants in a common political project, but as either allies or adversaries. Social media further amplifies this divide, turning national identity into a litmus test for loyalty.
In polarized societies, even fundamental issues such as education, healthcare, and foreign policy become battlegrounds for ideological supremacy. The result is not only legislative gridlock and civic unrest but also the normalisation of intolerance. Young democracies are particularly vulnerable to such dynamics, as their institutions often lack the resilience to withstand sustained internal pressure.
In essence, nationalism becomes a double-edged sword, offering identity and belonging to some, while disenfranchising and vilifying others. It reduces democracy to a majoritarian rule, stripping it of its inclusive and deliberative character.
A Brief Reflection on the Consequences
Viewed through a global lens, the consequences of rising nationalism and political extremism are deeply concerning. While nationalism may offer short-term political gains and emotional satisfaction to some segments of society, it erodes the long-term foundations of peace, democracy, and human rights. The more states embrace insularity and ideological absolutism, the less capacity they have to respond collectively to transnational challenges such as climate change, migration, pandemics, and economic crises.
Reclaiming the Middle Ground
Therefore, the path forward must begin with reclaiming the moderate political center. Civil society, academia, independent media, and international institutions must reinvest in the promotion of democratic values and inclusive national narratives. Education systems must be strengthened to foster critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity. Political leaders must be held accountable not only for their actions but for their words, particularly when those words incite division or hatred.
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Additionally, multilateral institutions must evolve to address the concerns of disillusioned populations who feel left behind by globalization. Only by delivering tangible benefits to all can democracy and international cooperation regain their legitimacy in the eyes of ordinary citizens.
Lastly, global coalitions need to take a stronger stand against states that violate human rights under the pretext of nationalism. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and legal action through international courts must not be dismissed as symbolic gestures. They are necessary tools for upholding global norms and preventing impunity.
A Renewed Commitment to Universal Values
In conclusion, the rise of nationalism and political extremism is not merely a passing phase but a defining challenge of our time. It threatens not only global stability but also the very principles upon which modern civilisation rests: democracy, human dignity, and the rule of law. As these forces gather momentum, it becomes all the more urgent to reassert our commitment to universal human rights and pluralistic democracy. If the world is to remain a shared space of peace and opportunity, then collective vigilance, courage, and cooperation must be the answer to nationalist fervor and extremist politics.
