"In the 21st century, we are defined not by our borders, but by our bonds," said President Obama. For decades in response to an increasingly global economy, the direction of travel had been the softening of borders and a suspicion of nationalism. But times have changed. Across the western world support for populist parties has mounted along with calls for tighter borders, defence of national identities, and an end to immigration. And across the political spectrum the rhetoric has followed. Globalists who had once defended an end to borders now come under attack as defenders of an educated elite.
Is nationalism and national identity necessary to protect the lives and living standards of the average working person, and are open borders and global travel the goal and privilege of the elite? Or is nationalism always a vehicle for intolerance, and the resort of demagogues and tyrants? And as national identities become more precisely drawn how are we to avoid increasing conflict not only between nations but within them?
