Chapter 13: The Future of International Relations

Chapter 13.4: Global Challenges in the 21st Century: Nationalism, Globalism, and the Future of the International System

As humanity looks beyond Earth for new opportunities—whether through space exploration, asteroid mining, or lunar colonization—the political tensions that define our world are unlikely to be left behind. The 21st century is witnessing a profound reorganization of the global political and economic landscape. While globalization once promised a future of interconnected economies, open borders, and cultural exchange, recent decades have seen a dramatic shift toward nationalist ideologies, economic protectionism, and regionalized power structures. This dynamic tension between nationalism and globalism mirrors The Matrix’s exploration of control, resistance, and competing realities. In the film, humanity faces a system of domination imposed by the machines, who control not only resources but also perception itself. Much like the resistance in The Matrix challenges this system, resurgent nationalism and de-globalization reflect the pushback against the perceived dominance of global institutions and international markets. Yet an alternative future—one centered on globalism and interdependence—envisions nations cooperating to address shared challenges like climate change, pandemics, and poverty. By examining concepts like nationalism, neo-mercantilism, and illiberalism, we can better understand the forces shaping this evolving international system and what pathways might lead to a more interconnected, cooperative future.

Patriotism has always been a unifying force, but today’s resurgent nationalism goes beyond love for one’s country—it emphasizes self-reliance, cultural identity, and resistance to external influence. This renewed nationalism has grown in response to globalization, which many citizens blame for job losses, cultural erosion, and economic inequality. In the United States, the “America First” rhetoric of the Trump administration prioritized domestic industries over international trade and implemented protectionist policies like tariffs on Chinese goods. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote in 2016 symbolized a rejection of the European Union’s supranational authority, reflecting the desire to reclaim national sovereignty. Resurgent nationalism can also take on darker forms when it fuels anti-immigration sentiment and exclusionary policies, as seen in far-right movements across Europe. In The Matrix, humanity’s rebellion against the machines mirrors this rejection of a larger, homogenizing system—individuals seeking to reclaim agency and identity in a world that suppresses both. However, a globalist alternative would view interconnectedness as a solution to inequality rather than its cause, advocating for fairer trade policies, cross-border cooperation, and shared responsibility. Nations working together, instead of withdrawing inward, could strengthen economic growth, cultural exchange, and collective security. Yet as nations push back against globalization, they often turn toward policies that reduce international ties, leading to the phenomenon of de-globalization.

De-globalization challenges the decades-long trend of deepening global interdependence, as countries increasingly retreat from international cooperation to reassert domestic control. It is characterized by reduced international trade, stricter border controls, and policies that favor national industries over global supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, with countries restricting exports of medical supplies, imposing travel bans, and rethinking their dependence on globalized production networks. For example, the disruption of supply chains during the pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on overseas manufacturing, prompting countries like the United States and Japan to promote reshoring—bringing production back home. Similarly, rising tensions between China and the West have led to trade wars and economic decoupling, as nations prioritize economic sovereignty over global integration. This echoes The Matrix, where the interconnected system built by the machines becomes oppressive rather than liberating; humanity’s solution is to resist and disconnect. Yet a globalist perspective would argue that instead of retreating, nations should build more resilient international systems that diversify supply chains and create safeguards against shocks. Interdependence, when managed collaboratively, can prevent shortages and foster innovation. However, as countries explore alternatives to globalization, we begin to see the emergence of a new economic phase, often described as post-globalization.

Post-globalization envisions a world where economic activity becomes increasingly regionalized, moving away from deep global integration toward localized and regional trade networks. Instead of relying on sprawling global supply chains, nations and regions focus on producing goods closer to home, reducing vulnerabilities caused by overdependence on foreign markets. For example, the European Union has invested in creating regional resilience through policies like “strategic autonomy,” which encourage member states to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on external powers. Similarly, trade blocs such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlight a shift toward regional collaboration rather than global integration. This model could reduce economic risks and empower regions to thrive independently, but it risks creating isolated economic blocs that mirror divisions seen in The Matrix. In the film, humanity is fragmented into small groups of resistance, disconnected from a unified world and struggling to challenge the overarching system. A globalist alternative to post-globalization would instead focus on building inclusive global economic partnerships that prioritize equity and shared development while preserving local economic stability. However, as economic priorities shift inward, governments often adopt policies that emphasize state control and strategic competition, reflecting a return to mercantlistic policies or neo-mercantilism.

While free trade and global markets once dominated economic thinking, neo-mercantilism marks a return to protectionism, state intervention, and the accumulation of national wealth. Neo-mercantilist policies aim to maximize exports, minimize imports, and secure access to valuable resources, echoing the strategies of 17th-century mercantilist states. Today, China provides a modern example through its “Made in China 2025” initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing and technological independence while strategically hoarding resources like rare-earth metals critical to modern technology. Similarly, the United States has embraced elements of neo-mercantilism through policies that favor domestic production, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes local manufacturing of green technologies. In The Matrix, the machines hoard humanity’s energy, reducing humans to a resource for their own survival—an extreme parallel to how nations in a neo-mercantilist system prioritize accumulation over cooperation. A globalist approach, however, would focus on creating fair trade systems where resources are shared responsibly, fostering mutual benefit rather than competition. By encouraging transparent trade agreements and collaboration, nations could avoid zero-sum thinking. Yet, when paired with growing nationalist sentiment, neo-mercantilism often paves the way for political systems that reject liberal democratic norms, leading to the rise of illiberalism.

Illiberalism represents a growing challenge to liberal democratic values, combining elements of authoritarian governance with populist and nationalist ideologies. Leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Russia’s Vladimir Putin exemplify this trend, where governments consolidate power, restrict freedoms, and reject international norms in the name of protecting national identity and sovereignty. Illiberal regimes often rely on populist rhetoric, portraying external forces—whether global institutions, immigrants, or political opponents—as threats to the “true” nation. In The Matrix, the machines maintain their control by manipulating perceptions and silencing dissent, mirroring the methods illiberal leaders use to suppress opposition and maintain power. While illiberalism promises stability and strength, it undermines cooperation on global challenges like climate change and pandemics, where collective action is essential. In contrast, a future centered on globalism and democratic governance would prioritize inclusivity, human rights, and international collaboration to address shared problems. However, the spread of illiberalism highlights the fragility of the international system, underscoring the need for a balance between national sovereignty and global responsibility.

The forces of nationalism, de-globalization, neo-mercantilism, and illiberalism are reshaping the international system, challenging the norms of cooperation and interconnectedness that defined much of the 20th century. Just as The Matrix explores resistance to a dominant and oppressive system, the modern world faces a similar struggle between national sovereignty and global cooperation. Resurgent nationalism reflects a desire for self-determination, while de-globalization and post-globalization signal shifts in economic priorities and power structures. However, these trends also risk deepening divisions, particularly when paired with neo-mercantilist competition and the spread of illiberal governance. A future that embraces globalism and interdependence, by contrast, offers opportunities for nations to address shared challenges together, fostering resilience, innovation, and equity. As the 21st century unfolds, the challenge for political leaders and citizens alike is to strike a balance between national interests and the shared responsibility of global challenges. The choices made today will determine whether the international system evolves toward cooperation and unity—or whether it fragments into a world of isolation, distrust, and competing systems of control.