Emerging nationalism that puts national interests in the first place and takes no consideration to the needs of the whole world kills the idea of collaboration. Its domestic orientation leads to distrust in multilateral systems and global agreements. This puts to test the action of the masses without which there can be no answer to complex and trans-national issues that demand coordinated responses.
Nationalism can be practiced such as protectionism, non-adherence to international treaties and commitments as well as diminished aid to international organizations. Such moves undermine institutions such as the UN and consequently lame their mediation abilities or enforcement of norms. Response to other global problems, such as climate change and pandemics can only be resolved through cooperation which is ruined after decades of diplomatic gains.
The cross-border security starts to work against nationalism as geopolitical competition grows. The trust reduces, sharing of intelligence fails and alliances are put under pressure. Negotiated solutions are overtaken by Unilateral actions making the world more volatile. Such withdrawal of collective security makes conflict management and prevention much harder and risky.
Combating the transnational threats requires never observed coordination. This is hindered by nationalism which results in opposition to enslavement contracts and pooling of resources. A preference of isolationism to solidarity poses a threat to effective responses to crises that do not recognize any divisions, including scientific cooperation.
Economically, nationalism interferes with supply chains across nations and generates trade tussles. The withdrawal of free trade suppresses development and innovation which raise the cost around the world. There is loss of efficiency and fragility of the global economic system that is interdependent.
Conclusion
Nationalism is posing a great danger to world collaboration. It undermines trust, undermines multilateral institutions, obstructs collective action against transnational threats and derails economic interdependence. This is threatening our chances to address the current problems of the world. It can only be overcome by acknowledging that national interests often are best preserved when pursued in cooperation with other nations around the world rather than when they are pursued in isolation.
