Nationalism impoverishes everyone, and in every way. Economically, politically, culturally, morally
It does this economically, by closing minds and borders. Two examples. Scotland right now. See the table. A deficit of 12% to GDP. I think as a direct result of the uncertainty around the continuing almost-religious drive for “Independence”. This results directly in loss of investment; flowing from uncertainty – with Scotland facing bankruptcy on the first day. The second example is Nazi Germany – where Hitler’s persecution led to the emigration of those Jewish scientists who’s inventiveness created an explosion of growth elsewhere, for instance in the USA.
Morally? Certainly populists create and use an “enemy” in order to keep themselves in power. Whether the enemy is the Ukraine (Russia), England (Scotland), Brussels (England), Palestine (Israel) is not the point. This is an appeal to our animal instincts and to fear. This seems to me to be morally indefensible. It’s certainly not Kantian (do good, for the sake of doing good), nor is it “do as you would be done to”, nor Christian – “love thy neighbour as thyself”. It only benefits politicians who use this to gain and remain in power.
.. and consider the political consequences of nationalism – here in my own geography. Brexit has separated us from friends in Europe. We “took back control”, but the question is – “to do what?” The SNP has replaced Labour in the UK parliament. The result has been the creation of two one-party states. Conservative rule in the United Kingdom, SNP in Scotland. The result has been division and intolerance throughout these islands. If the SNP are now in decline – hooray. Perhaps we may see a socialist government throughout the whole of this land, and a route back to sense and sensibility (fairness). I hope so.
Lastly, nationalism brings with it cultural desertification.Where is the continuity of Russian literature, music, dance in the febrile atmosphere of supposed national defence against those “aggressors” – the Ukrainians? Where is the cultural dividend from Brexit; and – for heavens sake – what would be the consequence of a bankrupt tartan-wrapped Scottish Nation? Not so much Burns and Burnt-out. And the shame of it is Scotland helped forge other British and international traditions. The Scottish Enlightenment. British Chartists meeting on Glasgow Green. Keir Hardie and International Socialism. Outward- facing toward a brotherhood of man.
Nationalism. In any form, brings with it poverty. Reject it, I beg you.
