Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a senior fellow and board member at the New South Institute, has published a detailed analysis on the rise of nationalism with Foreign Affairs, a globally respected journal, on March 25. His article explores the resurgence of nationalist movements worldwide, examining their impact on democratic institutions, international cooperation, and social cohesion.

Read Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s full article on the Foreign Affairs website here.

Mehta argues that while nationalism has historically played a role in nation-building, its recent manifestations have led to increased political polarisation, xenophobia, and the erosion of multilateral agreements. He highlights how economic uncertainty, migration debates, and digital misinformation have fuelled nationalist sentiment, often at the expense of democratic values. His analysis is a crucial contribution to understanding these trends at a time when global stability is increasingly at risk.

Pratap explores historian Eric Storm’s argument that nationalism is a social construct, shaped by cultural and political forces. He traces its origins to the Atlantic revolutions, the Napoleonic wars, and movements resisting imperialism. While nationalism has served as a catalyst for democracy in certain contexts, it has also fueled authoritarianism and exclusionary policies. Today, nationalism continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global identities and politics, with different countries expressing it in unique ways. Its influence extends beyond politics, impacting culture, language, and geopolitics on a global scale.

We encourage you to read Pratap Mehta’s full article on the Foreign Affairs website for a comprehensive examination of these pressing issues.