A Public Discussion on Populism and Nationalism

What does the global upsurge in populism and nationalism signify globally, nationally, and personally?

Tina Fetner, Department of Sociology
James Ingram, Department of Political Science
Neil McLaughlin, Department of Sociology
Tony Porter, Department of Political Science
Petra Rethmann, Department of Anthropology

Signs that our current liberal order is in trouble are proliferating. The aggressive nationalism of US President Trump and Russian President Putin, as well as the growing global power of China and the other BRICS countries signals a sea change in the US-led global liberal order that has been dominant since World War II. The global upsurge in populism and nationalism suggests that this sea change is not only geopolitical but relates to the future of the liberal order as well. What is the likely future of the global order? And what can be said about what a changing order signifies for the world? How does it affect different countries, communities, and individual perspectives and well-being. We seek to address these questions. Our discussion emerges out of our mutual concern for the future of the planet. We hope that this will initiate an ongoing discussion, and perhaps collaboration. All are welcome.