Post #3

The idea of nationalism has long been seen throughout the world. Nationalism is ones identification with themselves as belonging to a particular nation or state as well as excluding the ideas of other nations simply because they are considered “outsiders”. Freed Zakaria states that globalization has caused the movement of national interests to the international perspective. Globalization ties all nations together in some form, mainly through trade. This migration has been known to upset nationalists because the interest of their nation is left up to foreign powers. Zakaria goes on to say that there is a very present danger in the rise of nationalism. The way people view their country shapes history. He mentions that the United States views World War II as a fight for freedom in Europe, however, the majority of the war was fought in Russia. This shift in reality is dangerous as every nation sees themselves in the way they choose to. Nationalism can also be seen within a country when a mixture of races and religions are present. A few years ago, this issue was seen in Nepal. There was a growing population of Madhesis and Muslims among the Native Nepalis. The fear grew among nationalist natives that the nation would soon become ridden with Madhesis who would then be able to control the government. In the US, we don’t see other races as a problem to our government’s control because diversity is engrained in our culture. For Nepali’s, other religions are threats to them and make it difficult for all of Nepal’s citizens to join together into one collective group. This change is starting to undermine the effectiveness of democracy as people vote in favor of their group rather than of their own interests (Indigenous Voice).

Inequality is a major issue in Nepal. More than 8.1 million Nepalis live in poverty with the majority of them being women. In addition, 1/3 of all children under the age of five have stunted growth (OXFAM). As Nepal continues to rise as a developed nation, these people will be left behind without the development of social programs. Throughout the last few decades, Nepal has seen a substantial decrease in the number of people living in poverty. However, when the GINI coefficient is considered, it can be noted that the gap between the poor and the rich has widened substantially. In 1996, the GINI coefficient was 0.43. By 2011, it was at 0.48 – dangerously close to 0.50 which signals a country that is “in an explosive state” according to Professor Kamal Raj Dhungel. Nepal still has time to correct itself, but without proper government interference, the problem will only worsen (Nepali Times). On a global scale, Nepal ranks 114 out of 157 countries, with 157 being the most equal country (CIA). The results of inequality can be seen in the powerful picture below:

With a barrier as simple as a river, two vastly different lifestyles are seen. The people of extreme poverty, who live in huts made of scrap materials gaze over at those living in penthouses and driving nice cars.

One way to combat this inequality is to introduce more jobs to those who are impoverished. In class, an author by the name of Krugman argued that the internationalization of labor has benefited those in poverty. By supplying jobs in factories, people are able to get more money and hopefully improve their situation. While the jobs are not the best, and the people get paid very little, it is an opportunity for money, and therefore the ability to purchase food and clothes. Nepal could benefit from international companies in search of cheap labor.

Nepal is comprised of many religious and ethnic groups, most of which are minorities. While Americans often think of minorities as those who are fewer in number, and therefore receive lesser treatment, Nepalis describe minorities as any group excluded from main stream development. Bahuns make up only 12% of the population, yet they have complete control over government. The rest of the population is divided into countless other groups scattered across the country. In Nepal, the opinion about minorities and indigenous groups stems from history. Those who were in minorities centuries ago are still minorities, no matter the population size. Nepal sees this as tradition, rather than discrimination (Indigenous Voice).

Around the world, indigenous leaders are being killed by those who fear their power. Cultural Survival recently released an article in memorial of some of the activists that were killed in South America. It appears as though these murders were directed by those negatively affected by the leaders. For example, Milgen Idán Soto Ávila (Tolupán) of Honduras was an outspoken protester of logging companies. His goal was to save the forests and the indigenous tribes who resided in them. After receiving threats from the logging company he was disrupting, he was found dead. With the power of bribery, these large companies can get away with this due to the corruption of the government. Milgen was one of many indigenous protestors that were found dead in 2019 for speaking out against inhumane practices (Cultural Survival).