M A Hossain,
Since achieving independence, many Third World countries have remained caught in an unending cycle of conflict, discord, and strife. The noble ideals that drove their struggles for freedom have often failed to translate into the establishment of effective governance systems. Instead of progress and stability, corruption, exploitation, and disarray have come to dominate these nations, eroding the foundations necessary for collective advancement. Where unity could have been a catalyst for progress, division has undermined national strength, leaving many nations mired in perpetual crises.
The Failure of Post-Independence Leadership:
In the post-independence era, leadership in most Third World countries has been characterized by a stark absence of statesmanship. Leaders, rather than prioritizing national unity and good governance, have frequently indulged in self-serving politics and personal gain. This has exacerbated divisions, fueling distrust and discontent within societies. Power has often been wielded not as a means to serve the people but as a tool to dominate and suppress dissent. The result? A fragmented society where progress is continually hindered by internal strife.
The pervasive divisions within these nations have led to catastrophic human and material losses. Instead of charting a course toward unity and development, the exploitation of ethnic, religious, or political differences has deepened the fissures within these societies. Without addressing these foundational issues, the dream of progress remains unattainable.
The Power of Unity: Lessons from History
History provides ample evidence that no nation can achieve greatness without unity. The United States of America offers a compelling example. Despite significant disagreements among its 13 founding states, the leaders of the time understood the value of unity in securing a prosperous future. By setting aside their differences, they laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful nations in the world.
However, even the United States has not been immune to divisions. In recent years, stark political and social divides have become apparent, prompting the rise of leaders like Donald Trump, who have leveraged nationalist rhetoric to bridge these gaps. Similarly, the European Union, a symbol of unity and cooperation, has faced challenges from far-right political movements that threaten to unravel decades of progress. These examples highlight the importance of unity while underscoring its fragility.
Nationalism and The Third World :
For Third World countries, unity remains an elusive goal. Deep-seated divisions, often exploited by leaders for political gain, have hindered their ability to progress. The absence of a unifying nationalist sentiment has left these nations vulnerable to both internal discord and external manipulation. Without a cohesive vision that prioritizes national interests, these countries remain caught in a cycle of stagnation and conflict.
Nationalism, when harnessed correctly, can serve as a powerful force for unity and progress. However, in many Third World nations, nationalist sentiment is either weak or entirely absent. Instead of working toward the collective good, leaders have often prioritized narrow partisan, religious, or ethnic agendas. This lack of a unifying vision has prevented these nations from realizing their full potential.
Nationalism in Global Politics :
In contrast, nationalism has once again been undergoing a revival in global politics since World War II, particularly in the United States. Under Donald Trump's "America First" policy, nationalism has become a cornerstone of American foreign and domestic policy. Trump’s approach prioritizes national interests, rejecting the notion of pouring resources into endless conflicts or providing aid without strategic benefits. His administration's focus on tariffs, trade imbalances, and demanding greater contributions from allies reflects a nationalist perspective that seeks to strengthen the nation from within.
While some may criticize this approach as isolationist, it underscores an important principle: a nation’s leadership must prioritize the interests of its citizens. This is a lesson that Third World countries would do well to learn. Polarization in international geopolitics must serve national interests rather than the narrow agendas of specific groups or individuals.
The Crisis of Leadership :
The core issue facing many Third World countries is not a lack of leaders but a lack of statesmen. True statesmanship requires a vision that transcends personal or partisan interests, focusing instead on the greater good of the nation. Statesmen understand that unity is essential for progress and work tirelessly to foster it.
Unfortunately, this kind of leadership is rare in the Third World. The inability of leaders to rise above petty divisions has resulted in decades of unnecessary conflict and suffering. Thousands of lives have been lost, and countless resources wasted due to the inability to forge a united national identity.
Occasionally, moments of change offer glimpses of hope. However, these moments are often fleeting, as deep-seated divisions resurface to undermine progress. Without a concerted effort to address these divisions and foster unity, the dream of a strong and prosperous nation remains out of reach.
Bangladesh : A Case Study
Bangladesh, which celebrated half a century of independence, is a poignant example of the challenges faced by Third World countries. Despite remarkable achievements in certain areas, internal strife and political polarization have repeatedly undermined its progress. These divisions have made the nation susceptible to external manipulation, as international powers exploit internal weaknesses to advance their own agendas.
A strong nationalist state, one that prioritizes unity and national interests, is essential for consolidating a nation’s foundations. Yet, in Bangladesh, the lack of a cohesive nationalist sentiment has left the country vulnerable to external pressures and internal discord.
The Way Forward :
The polarization observed in South Asia today is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by Third World countries. While some nations align with China and others with the United States, these alignments are driven more by external influences than by a clear articulation of national interests. Unlike the ideological battles of the Cold War, today’s geopolitical landscape is shaped by the nationalist policies of global superpowers.
For Third World countries, the path to progress lies in embracing a unifying nationalist vision. This does not mean adopting the exclusionary or divisive nationalism seen in some parts of the world. Rather, it involves fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose that transcends ethnic, religious, and political divisions.
Unity is the true strength of a nation. Without it, progress remains an unattainable dream. Leaders must recognize that division weakens a nation, while unity has the power to propel it toward unparalleled strength and prosperity.
The reality of nationalism must be understood by all. It is not merely a political ideology but a unifying force that can bind a nation together and drive it toward progress. Third World countries, plagued by internal divisions and external exploitation, must embrace this truth if they are to overcome their challenges and achieve their aspirations. There is no shortcut to unity, no easy path to progress. Only through a collective commitment to national interests can these nations realize their true potential. This reality is not just a lesson from history—it is a call to action for the future.
M A Hossain, political and defense analyst based in Bangladesh. He can be reached at: writetomahossain@gmail.com
This article published at :
1. Dhaka Tribune, BD : 12 Feb, 25
No comments:
Post a Comment