In the past, nationalism has been seen as a unifying force, bringing people together and offering a shared sense of belonging. With ongoing global events and the beginning of a new presidency, the definition of nationalism, however, has greatly changed. Nationalism – a belief in the shared identity and culture of a nation’s people, and its close relative, exceptionalism – the belief that one’s nation is inherently superior to others – have increasingly been weaponized for exclusion and political gain.
Historically, many believed that to have a successful nation, there needed to be shared pieces of identity, such as common language and culture. According to the UAB Institute for Human Rights Blog, nationalism was attributed to a rise in buying and selling of domestic products as well as a general sense of patriotism. The idea of nationalism, however, has always carried an undertone of exclusion.
In the United States, nationalism determined who was considered an “American,” while in Europe, it was used to justify colonialism and imperialism. European nations used nationalism as a way to suppress others, labeling themselves as superior, which is an ideology that is reflected in modern anti-immigration rulings.
During the Trump administration in 2017, nationalism was used to justify the strict anti-immigration policies directly targeting those in marginalized communities. Policies, such as the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries and the separation of families at the U.S. and Mexico border, demonstrated how nationalism could be leveraged as a tool for exclusion.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one of the first significant legislations to restrict immigration based on ethnicity, exemplifying that nationalism and racial exclusion have been intertwined. Similarly, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, fears and nationalist paranoia led to the forced relocation and incarceration of thousands of Japanese Americans.
History continues to repeat itself, as modern rhetoric fuels discrimination against those who do not fit the standard of an “American,” whether due to race, religion or color.
Many tend to use nationalism as the term to describe political decisions taken in the name of national identity, but the notion of exceptionalism should be questioned. With the interconnectedness of the world through trade and technology, it is becoming harder to justify the belief that one nation holds a monopoly on progress.
For years, the U.S. has been positioned as the global standard for democracy, economics and innovation. Through rising inequality and injustices, however, this belief is being challenged. In a Pew Research study, two out of three American opinion leaders believe the U.S. should play a strong leadership role in the world, and fewer than 10% think the U.S. should be the single world leader. This shift in perspectives prompts a reassessment of the long-standing belief in American exceptionalism.
Many argue that nationalism and exceptionalism are not always inherently negative, as pride of one’s nation strengthens cultural identity and encourages people to work together. Some political movements have been rooted in nationalism, and exceptionalism has historically been a motivating factor for leadership.
While nationalism or exceptionalism should not be abandoned completely, the terms should be redefined. Nations must implement values that unify rather than divide. The solution will not occur with fear of change, rather it comes from embracing progress, acknowledging mistakes made and using these tools for a collective betterment.