Consequences and Negative Effects of the Phenomenon of Nationalism on the World
Prelude: Although the previous section was dedicated to explaining the consequences and negative effects of the phenomenon of nationalism on the world, we have also dedicated this section to explaining the same issues. The consequences of this phenomenon are so numerous that a book could be written about them. Writers and researchers have made significant efforts in this regard, explaining all its dimensions and aspects.
A Point to Ponder
Before starting the article and addressing the consequences and negative effects of nationalism on the world, it is pertinent to ask the nationalists, who always call for nationalism and consider it useful and beneficial for Islamic societies: What benefits has nationalism, which was and is a Western phenomenon, had for Muslims? What are the results achieved so far from nationalism? By creating this phenomenon, Westerners accomplished their long-standing ideals and desires, which involve division and duality among Muslims. But what have Muslims done? Has nationalism been able to advance Muslims in various dimensions and fields? Has nationalism enabled Muslims to equalize with Western countries in economic, political, technological, and self-sufficiency areas? What lessons have Muslims learned from nationalism regarding morality and the right way of life? The answer to these questions will be unequivocally negative. The advent of this phenomenon has prepared the ground for colonialism and weakened Islamic countries. Westerners pitted Muslims, who were once leaders in all fields, against each other, creating bonds so fractured that today no Muslim considers the pain of another Muslim as their own.
The Negative Effects and Consequences of Nationalism on the World Are:
1. Colonial Domination and a Source of War
Writers and thinkers agree that nationalism has caused numerous wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 19th century, nationalism led to the emergence of numerous conflicts and the establishment of colonies. This phenomenon, according to one sociological historian, became the origin and catalyst of expansionism and conflicts of interest between different states. Francis Coker, a Western thinker, states: “Many nationalists in the 19th century, fueled by extreme nationalist sentiments, came to believe that advanced nations—those with a rich history and heritage, possessing racial, national, and patriotic superiority—do not deserve to confine their abilities and power within their borders. The national and patriotic duty extends beyond merely defending the sovereignty of the country and maintaining its independence; it encompasses a global mission that requires them to expand political influence and spread their national civilization over all backward countries, even if this necessitates the use of force and violence—an approach deemed expedient.”
The words of this nationalist thinker reveal that powerful and authoritative nationalists should not be content with merely ruling their countries; they should also prepare the groundwork for oppressing and occupying weaker nations. Such was the practice of Western countries, which led to the occupation of many smaller and weaker nations.
The mentality of arrogance and superiority, prioritizing the interests of one’s own nation while disregarding the interests and concerns of others, drives countries toward dominance and colonization. Since nationalism operates within a closed framework, it asserts that only the superior nation should rule, while others remain subordinated and colonized. Additionally, nationalism, which holds sway among the intellectuals of subordinated nations, lulls them into complacency with imaginary glories and pasts, rendering them submissive to colonial powers—who are often strong promoters and supporters of nationalism—and consequently weakening them. Therefore, it is commonly observed that national forces are not particularly eager to combat colonialists, and in some cases, they even rise to support them.
This illustrates the mentality and approach of oppressive and domineering nationalists, who see nothing beyond their power and dominance, always striving to subjugate weaker and less developed nations. So what benefits does nationalism offer Muslims, who are now characterized as weak and powerless nations? How does nationalism assist in maintaining the independence and unity of their countries? I wish the proponents of nationalism would reflect on this!
Dr. Hutt, one of the pioneers of nationalism in the 19th century, states: “Satisfaction with merely preserving national sovereignty is insufficient. Turning away from global economic and political competition signifies a failure to fully safeguard the greatness and historic glory of the country. Therefore, not striving for expansionism endangers national pride and ultimately jeopardizes survival in the competition among nations. Indeed, authority, risk-taking, and an aggressive spirit are the keys to establishing and maintaining our national pride.”
Ernst Hegel writes about nationalism and influential nationalists: “Only strong and powerful nations possess the right to exist, to destroy everything, and to annihilate and conquer weak and backward nations.”
After examining the views and opinions of those recognized as pioneers in this field, it becomes clear that the delusions held by some Muslims who were misled by Western propaganda—who elevated nationalism as beneficial for Islamic nations—were indeed illusions, and they failed to recognize this critical reality. The dangers posed by nationalism are evident, as are the harms it inflicts upon Islam and Muslims.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Hassan Hanbaka, in his book “The Three Wings of Deceit and Their Secrets…” elucidates the means used by enemies to achieve their goals, writing: “Most Muslims did not realize these elaborate plans and conspiracies until they found themselves caught in the clutches of their own enemies and those who oppose their religion.”
This point deserves serious contemplation: many who have succumbed to propaganda and ventured into such arenas have only realized the depth of their error upon finding themselves at imminent risk of destruction.
Although the founders of this ideology claim that it spurs unity and empowers nations against oppression, its widespread adoption has led to discrimination, injustice, discord, and destructive wars, such as the First and Second World Wars.
Nationalism, as its name implies, incites racial, ethnic, and tribal conflicts among people. When a person places their tribe or clan above their religion, they will go to any lengths to defend their fellow tribesmen, which is precisely what we are witnessing today. We see that at times, due to trivial disputes, many lives are lost, and blood is unjustly shed. This represents the same ignorance to which Muslims have sadly reverted, abandoning their religious principles.
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