Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The post-Cold War era, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, heralded an era of unprecedented globalization, characterized by liberalized trade, open borders, and the rise of multilateral institutions. This period fostered deep economic interdependence and cultural exchange, aiming for a more integrated global community. However, in recent years, this trajectory has significantly altered. A discernible "waning of globalization" is underway, giving way to a resurgence of "sovereign nationalism." This shift implies that nations are increasingly prioritizing their domestic interests, strengthening borders, and asserting national identity and control over global cooperation, leading to a more fragmented and competitive international landscape.
Waning of Globalization
The retreat from extensive global integration is evident across several domains:
- Economic Protectionism: Many nations are increasingly imposing tariffs, restricting foreign investments, and reshoring industries. The US-China trade war, with tariffs on steel, technology, and imports, serves as a prime example of economic nationalism since 2018. India's laptop import licensing (2023) and foodgrain export bans (2022-23) also reflect this trend.
- Disruptions to Global Supply Chains: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of over-reliance on global supply chains, leading to shortages of essential goods. This accelerated a push for supply chain localization, reshoring, and friend-shoring strategies to enhance domestic resilience, such as in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Retreat from Multilateralism: There is growing skepticism towards global institutions. The World Trade Organization (WTO) faces challenges like the paralysis of its appellate body, and instances of countries bypassing global institutions in favor of bilateral deals are increasing.
- Reduced Cross-border Mobility: Stricter immigration policies, enhanced border controls, and visa restrictions reflect a desire to limit the free movement of people across national boundaries.
Rise of Sovereign Nationalism
The reassertion of the nation-state's sovereignty manifests in various ways:
Political and Strategic Autonomy
- Multi-alignment Policies: Nations like India adopt a balanced approach in international conflicts, maintaining relations with multiple parties to safeguard national interests, as seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Border Securitization: Emphasis on national borders and stringent immigration controls, as exemplified by discussions around building walls (e.g., US-Mexico border) and the increasing salience of immigration in European elections.
- Digital Sovereignty: Countries are enacting data localization laws and exercising greater control over their digital spaces, such as India’s data protection regime and China's internet restrictions.
Economic Self-Reliance Initiatives
- Domestic Industry Promotion: Governments are launching initiatives to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports. Schemes like India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" with its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme (₹1.97 lakh crore) and China's "Made in China 2025" program are notable examples. The US "America First" agenda and the CHIPS Act ($52 billion semiconductor investment) also highlight this trend.
- Critical Mineral Security: Nations are actively securing domestic supply chains for critical resources like rare earth elements to ensure strategic autonomy.
Cultural Nationalism
- Emphasis on National Identity: A focus on local languages, traditions, and cultural heritage, such as the promotion of Hindi in India or Mandarin in China, underscores cultural self-assertion.
- Populist Movements: The rise of right-wing populist movements in Europe and the US (e.g., Brexit, Trump's "America First") is often fueled by a narrative that prioritizes national citizens and culture over perceived threats from globalization and immigration.
Conclusion
The post-Cold War landscape, initially characterized by hyper-globalization, is unmistakably witnessing a shift towards sovereign nationalism. This reassertion of state control is driven by economic anxieties, geopolitical realignments, and a desire to protect national interests and identities. While complete deglobalization is unlikely, the world is moving towards a more calibrated and selective form of international engagement. Nations are balancing the benefits of global cooperation with the imperative of strengthening domestic capabilities and safeguarding sovereignty. This strategic reorientation, exemplified by approaches like India's "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" during its G20 presidency, suggests a future defined by sovereign interdependence rather than unfettered global integration.
Answer Length
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