On Nationalism: is nationalism, a bane or a virtue in this era of rapid globalisation? 

Nationalism is a shared value of a group that motivates the group to work together to achieve a common goal, be it  infrastructure, prosperity in health, child welfare, education and not the least, protection against aggression. It is felt inevitable for progress as well as to protect the wealth, so say the social scientists, since the religions have started loosing the grip over the society and loosing their sheen by the turn of modern era in the late nineteenth century. So the group motivation for a common goal which was purportedly achieved hitherto by Religionalism, was replaced with the Nationalism, a common thread for the group being mandatory. 

But historically, the transition to Nationalism was also through religion. Rulers indoctrinated their citizens through a common religion, Japan being a shining example. With Shinto as the national religion, Japanese could be inspired  to sacrifice their life as ‘human missiles’ during the Second World War with  ‘Kamikaze’ in Pearl Harbour attack! Nationalism of Israelis could have been due to their sworn belief that Judaism is God’s religion. Same is true in different degrees with Polish Catholics or Shiite Islam in Iran or orthodox Christianity in Russia. Though a common flag, national anthem, dress code, language are believed to foster nationalism, religion has its role to play. It may appear very primitive in the modern world of science where religious leaders have lesser role to play in warding of natural calamities and epidemics. But, Multiethnic or polytheistic countries have found it a daunting task in uniting its citizens to work for a common good, as local identities manifest in distrust, resulting in hostility and frequent crisis management that derail the national agenda of progress. But there is hope that one day, the role of religions would be dwarfed by the spirit of nationalism!

But the growth of nationalism is alien to the wishes of liberalists! USSR has already disintegrated while, the European Union experiment, conceived on the promise of universal liberal values as against multi-nations, is on the verge of putting the clock back to ‘status quo ante’. 

Even aggressive Globalisation would not lead to integration of the nations as everyone would be as ever zealous in protecting their national interest and welfare of  their citizens first even if it hurts others! There would be Theresa Mays and Trumps springing up in many numbers!

The conclusion of this narrative is that in the present eco system, Seamless world is a distant dream despite being a ‘global village’. Inevitably, Nationalism will continue to haunt the human race for a long time to come!