Q. “With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.

Model Answer:

The post-Cold War era of hyper-globalization is giving way to a fragmented world order driven by protectionism, where states prioritize “sovereign nationalism” and self-interest over deep integration.

Indicators of Waning Globalization

• Economic Protectionism: Free trade is being replaced by tariff walls and localized industrial policies (US-China trade war, WTO appellate paralysis).
• Weaponization of Supply Chains: Vulnerabilities in critical dependencies have triggered structural decoupling (EU reducing reliance on Russian energy).
• Technological Fragmentation: The global commons is dividing into a “Splinternet” with stringent tech-export controls (US CHIPS and Science Act).
• Border Fortification: Retrogression of free movement in favor of strict immigration controls (Brexit, US border policies).

Manifestations of Sovereign Nationalism

• Drive for Strategic Autonomy: States are actively pursuing domestic self-reliance in critical sectors (India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, EU’s Strategic Compass).
• Friend-Shoring & Minilateralism: Aligning trade exclusively with geopolitical allies rather than global markets (Quad’s supply chain resilience initiatives).
• Resource Nationalism: Hoarding of essential goods during crises (Covid-19 vaccine nationalism, Indonesia’s ban on nickel exports).
• Geopolitical Assertiveness: Unilateral prioritization of territorial and historical claims over international rules (China in the South China Sea).

While sovereign nationalism ensures domestic resilience, transnational challenges like climate change and AI require a balanced “re-globalization” rooted in equitable, diversified, and human-centric multilateralism.