Globalization and Nationalism: Complex Reconfigurations of Space, Place, Identity, and Inclusiveness

• In Event: 066 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Citizenship and Inclusion

Abstract

The nativist "English Only" movement in the United States and the perpetual displays of Sinhala Buddhist chauvinism in Sri Lanka four years after the cessation of armed conflict with Tamil separatists are examples of contemporary nationalisms. Undoubtedly, the forms of nationalist sentiment exhibited in these two examples heavily contrast with a more inclusive type of nationalism, marked by the idealized liberal values of "liberty and justice for all" often associated with democracy. However, democracy in and of itself can be a complex set of power relations, with varying degrees of representativeness and participation among citizens within and across territorial nation-state boundaries. Thus, although some scholars view nationalism and contemporary nationalist movements as essentially reactionary to globalization, I argue that this is not the case. More specifically, I argue for a more critical analysis of both "nationalism" and "globalization" as multifaceted concepts, with possibilities for the fostering of both inclusion and exclusion. As a result, even in lieu of some present-day, exclusionary nationalist sentiments in various corners of the globe, I posit that "nationalism" and "globalization" cannot be viewed as inherently contraindicated. Rather, the multifarious economic, cultural, and political forces of contemporary globalization have infused complexity into the meaning of nationalism, particularly the spatial dimensions of nationalist mobilization and the means by which nationalist ideologies are disseminated. I discuss contemporary examples of nationalist movements originating in South Asia and Egypt to illuminate these points.

Author

• Autumn Mathias, Northeastern University