Q10. “With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.
Possible Introductions
Contextual:
The post–Cold War world (1991 onwards) saw globalization as the dominant trend — liberalisation, free trade, technology flows. However, recent decades show a retreat of globalization with rising nationalism and sovereignty-focused politics.
Fact-based:
World Bank data shows that after peaking in 2008, global trade as a share of GDP has stagnated (~60%). Meanwhile, nationalist policies (Brexit, US–China trade war, Russia–Ukraine conflict) signal the return of sovereign nationalism.
Philosophical:
As globalization wanes under pressures of inequality and geopolitics, states are reclaiming control over economy, borders, and identity, reinforcing sovereign nationalism.
Main Body
1. Waning of Globalization
-
- Economic Nationalism: Protectionism rising, supply chains re-shored.
Example: US–China tariffs, “America First,” EU carbon tariffs. - Technology & Digital Decoupling: Data localisation, restrictions on TikTok/Huawei.
- Political Backlash: Perceived loss of jobs, rising inequality → populist politics.
- Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 highlighted vulnerabilities of overdependence on global supply chains (vaccines, PPE kits).
- Geopolitical Conflicts: Ukraine war led to energy nationalism, food protectionism.
- Economic Nationalism: Protectionism rising, supply chains re-shored.
2. Rise of Sovereign Nationalism
(a) Economic Sovereignty
-
- States promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat, Made in China 2025).
- Resource nationalism in Africa & Latin America (lithium, oil).
- States promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat, Made in China 2025).
(b) Political Sovereignty
-
- Brexit symbolised reclaiming sovereignty from supranational EU.
- Nationalist governments (Hungary, Turkey, Poland) pushing sovereignty over EU norms.
- Brexit symbolised reclaiming sovereignty from supranational EU.
(c) Cultural & Identity Nationalism
-
- Assertion of civilisational narratives (India, China, Russia).
- Anti-immigration politics in Europe, US border walls.
- Assertion of civilisational narratives (India, China, Russia).
(d) Security Sovereignty
-
- Indo-Pacific alignments → states prioritising territorial integrity over global institutions.
- Cyber sovereignty debates: China’s Great Firewall, India’s data localisation.
- Indo-Pacific alignments → states prioritising territorial integrity over global institutions.
3. Why Globalization’s Waning Fuels Nationalism
-
- Globalisation created winners & losers → nationalist backlash in “loser” groups.
- Erosion of trust in multilateral institutions (WTO, WHO, UN).
- Global crises (financial crisis, pandemic, climate change) → states turning inward.
- Multipolarity replacing unipolarity → sovereignty as strategic shield.
- Globalisation created winners & losers → nationalist backlash in “loser” groups.
Sweet Spot – Table
|
Phase |
Globalization |
Sovereign Nationalism |
Example |
|
1991–2008 |
Peak of liberalisation, WTO-led free trade |
Limited nationalism |
EU expansion, WTO Doha talks |
|
2008–2016 |
Post-financial crisis slowdown |
Economic protectionism |
US–China trade tensions |
|
2016–Present |
Waning globalization |
Assertive nationalism |
Brexit, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Ukraine war |
Possible Conclusions
Balanced:
The post–Cold War dream of a borderless world is giving way to a border-conscious nationalism, redefining globalisation into regionalisation.
Philosophical:
As Dani Rodrik’s “globalisation trilemma” notes, hyper-globalisation, democracy, and national sovereignty cannot co-exist fully — today, sovereignty is being chosen.
Policy-linked:
The challenge for India and others is to balance sovereign nationalism with selective globalization for growth and security.
Forward-looking:
The future world order may not be of de-globalisation, but of “glocalisation” — where global interdependence persists but sovereignty and national identity take centre stage
