Chapter 12: Globalism, Nationalism, and Marginalized Communities

12.2: Globalism, Nationalism, and Their Impact on Marginalized Communities

The way societies interact and define themselves on the global stage has far-reaching consequences, particularly for marginalized communities. The forces of globalism and nationalism shape economies, politics, and identities, influencing who is included in society and who is excluded. In theory, increased globalization should lead to greater opportunities, cultural exchange, and economic growth. However, when poorly managed, globalism can deepen inequalities, erode local cultures, and fuel nationalist backlash. Nationalist movements, in turn, often emerge as a response to the perceived threats of globalization, sometimes reinforcing exclusionary policies that disproportionately harm minority groups. The film Children of Men offers a powerful lens through which to examine these tensions, depicting a future where Britain has shut its borders, scapegoated refugees, and prioritized national survival over human rights. By exploring the intersections of globalism, nationalism, identity politics, civil society, cultural imperialism, and right-wing populism, we can better understand how these forces shape contemporary political struggles and the experiences of marginalized communities.

The promise of an interconnected world is often met with both hope and skepticism. While globalism promotes trade, open borders, and cultural exchange, its benefits are not evenly distributed. Wealthy nations and multinational corporations often reap the rewards, while vulnerable populations face job displacement, cultural erosion, and economic exploitation. In Children of Men, Britain has rejected globalism entirely, closing itself off from the rest of the world in an attempt to preserve national stability. This echoes real-world isolationist policies, such as Brexit, where the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union partly due to concerns over immigration and economic sovereignty. Similarly, the rise of economic globalization has led to significant backlash in many countries, where working-class communities feel left behind by outsourcing and automation. In the United States, for example, manufacturing job losses due to free trade agreements like NAFTA fueled political movements that called for economic nationalism. While globalism can create wealth and opportunity, it also generates resentment when its benefits are concentrated among elites, leading to the rise of nationalist movements that seek to reclaim control over national identity and resources.

Belonging is not just a legal status; it is a deeply personal and political question. Identity politics arises when marginalized groups mobilize to fight for recognition, rights, and inclusion in society. Children of Men highlights this struggle through its portrayal of immigrants and refugees, who are treated as outsiders unworthy of protection or belonging. In the real world, identity politics has played a crucial role in civil rights movements, from the fight against apartheid in South Africa to the push for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. However, identity politics can also be used as a tool for division. Political leaders have sometimes exploited ethnic or religious identities to consolidate power, as seen in the Rwandan genocide, where colonial-era ethnic divisions were manipulated to justify mass violence. In democratic societies, identity politics is often criticized for being polarizing, but it remains an essential mechanism for historically marginalized groups to gain political voice and challenge exclusionary policies. As seen in both Children of Men and real-world struggles, questions of identity and belonging are deeply intertwined with national policies and societal structures.

When governments fail to address social and political inequalities, grassroots organizations and activists step in to fill the void. Civil society consists of non-governmental organizations, community groups, and social movements that advocate for social change and human rights. In Children of Men, civil society is largely absent, replaced by an apathetic public and an oppressive state. This reflects real-world situations where authoritarian governments suppress civil society, fearing its power to mobilize resistance. For example, in Russia, organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and political reform have faced legal restrictions and government crackdowns. Conversely, in democratic societies, civil society plays a crucial role in advocating for marginalized groups, as seen in movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. The strength or weakness of civil society often determines whether marginalized communities have a voice or are left to suffer in silence. When civil society erodes, as in Children of Men, authoritarianism thrives, and vulnerable populations are left without protection.

Control over culture is often a form of control over people. Cultural imperialism occurs when powerful nations impose their values, media, and economic systems on weaker societies, often erasing local traditions in the process. This phenomenon is closely tied to globalism, as Western cultural dominance has expanded through media, fashion, and corporate influence. In Children of Men, Britain’s rejection of outsiders can be seen as a form of cultural protectionism, an attempt to maintain a singular, homogenous national identity. This mirrors historical instances where dominant cultures suppressed indigenous traditions, such as the forced assimilation of Native Americans in U.S. boarding schools or the banning of indigenous languages in colonized regions. Today, cultural imperialism persists through the global spread of Western media, which often dictates beauty standards, lifestyle trends, and consumer behavior. While cultural exchange can be enriching, the imbalance of power in global cultural flows raises concerns about whose stories and identities are valued and whose are erased. This sense of cultural loss often fuels nationalist movements that seek to reclaim a “pure” national identity, sometimes leading to the rise of right-wing populism.

Fear is a powerful political tool. Right-wing populism has gained momentum in many countries by tapping into anxieties over immigration, economic instability, and cultural change. But what is populism? Check out the video below to learn more about this ideology. In Children of Men, the British government enforces a harsh anti-immigration policy, using propaganda to depict refugees as threats to national security. This mirrors the rhetoric of right-wing populist leaders in the real world, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s characterization of migrants as criminals or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s anti-refugee stance. Right-wing populism often frames marginalized groups as the cause of national decline, advocating for strict border controls and policies that prioritize the majority population. While these movements claim to protect national identity and sovereignty, they frequently do so at the expense of human rights and social cohesion. The film warns of the dangers of unchecked nationalism, showing how fear and exclusion can erode democracy and lead to widespread suffering. In both fiction and reality, the rise of right-wing populism reflects deep societal anxieties, highlighting the urgent need to balance national identity with global responsibility.

The debate between globalism and nationalism is ultimately a question of how societies define inclusion and exclusion. While globalism can foster economic growth and cultural exchange, it also has the potential to deepen inequalities and erode local traditions. Nationalism, when used to protect cultural heritage and social stability, can be a force for unity, but when weaponized, it leads to exclusion and authoritarianism. Children of Men provides a chilling vision of what happens when nationalism is taken to an extreme, portraying a world where refugees are dehumanized and civil society has collapsed. Real-world events—from Brexit to the refugee crisis—demonstrate that these tensions are not just theoretical debates but pressing global issues. Understanding the forces of identity politics, cultural imperialism, and right-wing populism helps us see how political movements shape the experiences of marginalized communities. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the challenge remains: how do we build societies that balance national interests with human dignity?