Wealth inequality is a relatively new topic in my blogs. Nationalism has often frequented in my topics. I’m concerned by the link between both. Historically, these two were connected by revolutions (eg, Cuba-1956-1959, Russia 1917). Nowadays, these are connected in the voting booth, like Trump 2016. The 2016 Russian interference is the “revolution” part.
UK wealth inequality (eg, Guardian, Observer), amongst other due to continued austerity, is a main underlying reason for the Brexit “revolution”. Interestingly, the UK wealthy and the least privileged are both in favour of Brexit, although for (very) different reasons. Post-Brexit wealth inequality is likely to surge even further and should eventually cause massive social unrest.
Wealth inequality is often blamed on Globalism. This criticism is quite unfair because wealth inequality is even (much) higher in countries that favour (domestic) Nationalism, like China, Russia, Turkey, UK, and Trump’s USA.
There’s little doubt that Globalism increases wealth. The general – and valid – criticism on Globalism is about the distribution of that wealth, which is often skewed towards the haves and ignores the have-nots. Mainstream politicians often fail to appreciate the dangers of globalism (eg, loss of cultural identity, prioritizing migrants and refugees).
Similarly, there’s little doubt on the merits of a shared cultural identity in Nationalism (eg, language, religion, values). Unfortunately, Nationalism is often abused and misguided by politicians looking for (absolute) Power. Such politicians stir up cultural fears against foreigners, religious and other minorities in order to gain Power – and then change the rules.
The biggest threat of political Nationalism is its next step: establishing an autocracy by dismantling parliamentary democracy. The first victim is the independence of the legal system by appointing government approved judges. The next victims are media and press. Examples: China, Russia, Turkey, Trump’s USA.
Hence, in my view, Globalism is ultimately less dangerous than Nationalism. The best situation would still be a hybrid between both, in order to find a decent balance between identity versus power. Probably, this is why I like my country so much.
This week, the European Parliament election will start. Actually, I’m glad that European power is still in the hands of European nations rather than European voters.
“Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve”. A quote by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish playwright.
Elected (1972) by Alice Cooper
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise
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