Is nationalism inherently harmful in the 21st century?

Nationalism refers to the belief that a nation should govern itself independently and prioritize its own interests, culture, and identity. In the 21st century, the concept has re-emerged prominently in political movements across the globe, from Brexit to "America First" to various populist campaigns in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It is often associated with sovereignty, patriotism, and cultural pride—but also with exclusion, xenophobia, and conflict. To understand this debate, it is helpful to distinguish between *civic nationalism* and *ethnic nationalism*. Civic nationalism centers on shared political values, citizenship, and democratic participation. Ethnic nationalism, on the other hand, is based on ancestry, language, or religion, often defining national identity in more rigid and exclusionary terms. Both forms have existed historically, but their implications differ widely. Modern nationalism must also be examined in the context of globalization, where economies, cultures, and information are increasingly interconnected. Nationalist policies can challenge this interdependence, sometimes prioritizing borders and local control over global cooperation on issues like climate change, migration, and pandemics. Nationalism played a major role in shaping the modern world—through independence movements, anti-colonial struggles, and state-building. But in today’s complex, pluralistic societies, it raises questions about unity versus division.