Support for populism-nationalism – characterized by some as “tribalism” (“blame the others”) – is a multi-faceted phenomenon far more complex than simply a reaction to so-called liberal politics.
Over the past 40-plus years the world has experienced sea changes in geopolitical, demographic, scientific and economic norms which have often times negatively impacted the daily lives of some members of majority populations – usually Caucasians.
Geopolitically, the Iranian revolution, the fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of China as the “other world power,” 9/11, the ensuing and still ongoing war in Afghanistan, the two wars in Iraq, the continuing and escalating conflicts in the Middle East (now engulfing parts of Africa), and Russia’s efforts at resurrecting itself as the “other world power,” namely, attempts at reconstituting east-west conflicts within Europe have all had destabilizing effects on the old world order.
These and other examples of global conflict and unrest have caused major shifts in populations from strife-torn countries to relatively stable regions — a natural tendency for displaced persons. Indeed, the number of refugees can be staggering when compared to some indigenous populations including those in smaller western European countries.
Advances in technology have enormously impacted work forces worldwide, particularly in highly developed countries where loss of jobs in manufacturing is largely attributable to that technology and automation. Developing nations are benefiting from same, often in violation of international law and to the disadvantage of developed countries with historically higher standards of living. This globalization necessarily affects historical economic patterns upon which old style western democracies have come to rely.
Add to this mix climate change and its impact on all of the above — droughts and natural disasters – the economic damage and demographic shifts becomes exacerbated.
If one’s life (culturally and or economically) is adversely impacted by forces which are either misunderstood or perceived to be out of one’s control, the reactive effect of populism-nationalism is to escalate the blame game and tribalism. While such attitudes are not necessarily shared by current majority populations, there is substantial support for same and its inevitable but misguided reliance on authoritarian regimes to restore good order.
When these considerations are taken into account, the battle cry of populism and nationalism (“everyone for themselves”) will, in my opinion, not improve the lot of human kind. Rather, it will lead to further conflict and destruction.
Edward Shulman is a resident of Kailua-Kona.
