Trump is a symptom of a dangerous worldwide trend.
Everyone should choose their words carefully, even the president.
President Donald Trump declared himself a nationalist at a rally Oct. 23, rightfully causing massive public outrage. Trump’s use of the word was severely inappropriate, and presidential endorsement of this word highlights its unsettling prevalence.
Cartoon by Kristen Perez
Nationalism carries heavy controversy because of its tendency to incite violent outbursts. Although the term first described those who were fighting for the good of their country, nationalism took on a more sinister connotation in the 20th century after being associated with pan-Germanism and pan-Slavism. In fact, history’s most notorious political organization, the Nazis, based their ideology on nationalism. In addition to fostering xenophobia and jingoism, nationalism is associated with dangerous far-right nationalists and Neo-Nazis.
Even the president himself is deeply connected with this concept. No doubt, Trump’s support for nationalism has deleteriously affected the country. After a confirmed Trump supporter with anti-Semitic motives ruthlessly killed 11 people in a synagogue Sept. 27, Jewish community leaders fittingly told Trump that he was unwelcome in Pittsburgh until he completely rejected white nationalism. Trump must stop plaguing the U.S. with his dangerous words, which are giving rise to even more dangerous criminals.
The Jewish leaders justifiably associate Trump with this divisive movement. When white supremacists threateningly planned to gather to mark the anniversary of the tragic Charlottesville riot, the president unnervingly did not condemn them. Trump’s foolish inaction speaks volumes to his stance on racism.
On a more global scope, Trump has enacted several distressing policies to remove the U.S. from multiple international organizations such as the Paris Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Although Trump uses the excuse that these treaties were poorly planned, the president was undoubtedly influenced by nationalism.
Perhaps Trump is alarmingly the symptom of a global trend toward nationalism, not the cause. Nationalism fueled the Brexit in 2016, when British workers felt the patriotic allure of leaving the European Union. Brazil’s president-elect is far-rightist Jair Bolsonaro, a polarizing former army captain who has pledged to withdraw the country from the Paris Climate Agreement as part of his Brazil-First mindset. Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, called himself the most “proper and true nationalist” in the 15th annual Valdai Discussion Club. Evidently, the world is problematically being swept away by the threatening tides of growing nationalism.
Although there is nothing wrong with nationalism itself, it encourages hatred-inspired division when taken to the extreme. In a global economy as interconnected as ours, uncertainty over international participation can reduce economic opportunities and must thus be stomped out. Ultimately, world progression toward a concept that champions dissent and disunity is a recipe for disaster. In other words, nationalism must be stopped now. Citizens must recognize this truth and fight against this growing trend by supporting international cooperation. A unified world benefits everyone while a house divided cannot stand.