National Identity and Economic Nationalism: Can an Economic Perspective Reinforce Nationalism and Nation Building?

Abstract

Since the demise of economic Marxism, the global environment has sought to uphold economic liberalism as the only successful theoretical position. The theoretical position of economic nationalism was relegated to obscurity on the basis that it was considered protectionist, stifled international trade and led to the creation of trade barriers. However, the definition of nationalism is not universally agreed upon in terms of its origins. As states struggle to define their national identities due to migration and the rise of multiculturalism, so equally do they have to redefine their economic perspectives and approaches. This article seeks to demonstrate that economic nationalism is a method to realise nationalism and nation building within a state.