Neo-ultranationalism
December 11, 2024•425 words
We see threats to liberal democracy coming from lots of directions. We have to create something new, a common response, because in so many places - the UK, France, Germany - ultranationalists and the far left threaten the free market and liberal democracy. ~ Garry Kasparov
Nixon urged Clinton to maintain his relationship with Yeltsin but make contact with other democrats in Russia. He warned Clinton away from some ultranationalists and toward those interested in liberty and reform. He pressed Clinton to replace his ambassador in Kiev and concentrate future U.S. economic aid on Ukraine, where it would matter most. ~ Nancy Gibbs
Neo-ultranationalism is resurging across the globe as powerful nations pursue the expansion of their territories, resources, and influence.
Although traditional colonization has declined, new forms of "legal" annexation have emerged. Notable examples include Russia’s seizure of Crimea, the militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea, and China’s sweeping maritime claims over nearly the entire region.
Similarly, Israel's settlement expansions operate as a form of "creeping annexation for a greater Israel," securing control over land and oil and gas resources justifying security concerns.
Debt-trap diplomacy is a strategy, with China's Belt and Road Initiative serving as a key example. Through this initiative, loans are extended to nations for infrastructure projects. When receiving countries struggle to repay, China gains control of strategic ports, railways, infrastructure, and raw materials, improving China's power base influence within those nations.
Major powers, including the United States, China, and the European Union, are engaged in a broader competition for control of resource-rich regions In places such as Africa, Canada, Russia, the Middle East, and South America.
By investing in sectors such as mining, oil extraction, and agribusiness, these nations secure access to vital materials, including oil, gas, and rare earth metals, which are needed for advanced artificial intelligence, quantum computing and military technologies.
Economic threats and pressure is another tactic employed by these powers. The United States, China, and the European Union use tariffs and trade sanctions to destabilize target countries, often pressuring their populations to demand political change or seek alliance or amalgamation with more powerful neo-ultranationalist states.
This geopolitical neo-ultranationalistic world order is further shaped by the rise of strongman leaders and their rhetoric, which provides ideological justification for aggressive actions. Hybrid warfare tactics, including cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns untraditional and social media, allowing them to obscure their involvement.