Is Nationalism the Real Threat?  

In the modern world, running a country has become extremely complicated. Countries are now expected to prioritize their national interests as well as become prominent in the international landscape. Even though day by day the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, nationalism still reminds us where priorities should lie first. Nationalism is a constant reminder to nations that borders, democracy, and sovereignty still matter. 

This scenario raises a question: is nationalism a threat to internationalism, or does international cooperation threaten national identity? While nationalism can promote unity and patriotism, it simply doesn’t make internationalism unachievable. The real threat is the kind of nationalism. Nationalism can be threatening when its nature is chauvinistic, where protecting sovereignty can become militaristic and fanaticistic. These characteristics can make internationalism difficult to achieve.

Nationalism, which creates international rivalry and conflict, is the most alarming type of threat to internationalism. When the idea of chauvinism influences policy, it simply replaces cooperation with competition. The past has set multiple examples of such world leaders, such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong. This shows that nationalism can quickly change its form from patriotism to imperialism and expansionism.

One of the biggest perils of being a nationalistic state towards internationalism is its emphasis on national sovereignty and national interests. Nationalistic states believe their responsibility towards citizens should come first even if a conflict internationally takes place. This is dangerous because it makes these governments strict and less cooperative and willing to compromise.

Internationalism only takes place when unanimous cooperation is being followed. Nationalistic governments become violent and aggressive when it comes to protecting their sovereignty, which makes international cooperation foreboding. For example, rejecting joining alliances or accepting international accords. When a government becomes nationalistic, internationalism becomes a threat to the national identity.

For instance, Nazi Germany. Nazism’s growth changed nationalism in Germany into an exclusionary project, which caused foreign identities to be threatened by this new national identity. It introduced an aggressive foreign policy and expansionism. Again, this belief was created by Adolf Hitler, who used Friedrich Ratzel’s idea of Lebensraum. This produced domestic discrimination as well as gave them confidence to dominate neighboring territories. This demonstrates how a nationalistic government can become a threat to other states.

Where National Interest Meets International Cooperation 

Internationalism becomes hard because nationalism undermines the role of intergovernmental organizations. International organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization rely on the loyalty and cooperation of the member........

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