Now that globalization has come full swing, many are wondering whether or not the nation state will become obsolete. The communities and ideals that people pledge allegiance to evolved over time. A long time ago, communities consisted of small tribes to ensure the survival and collective benefit that a diverse population can offer one another.

The city state was born when larger groups began to expand their influence and build up military efforts for the good of its people. Ancient Greece is known for its historical struggles between city states. Athens and Sparta repetitvely tried to gain influence and power over the Greek mainland. Eventually as time progressed, people realized that a city could no long provide the protection of commerce and land for its citizens. Soon, leaders were consolidating power. In the 17th and 18th century, those with a common language, customs, and people would begin to forge nations. Patriotism, imperialism, and advances in military technology on an unprecedented scale began to emerge. This build up would eventually lead the world into its first Great War, also known as World War I. The 20th century would be remembered as the bloodiest years we have ever known.

The United States aided the world in its recovery efforts after World War II and sought economic and global cohesiveness through capitalism. We began to focus on dialogue and non-military options first, before making rash decisions. Although there were additional conflicts and moments of tension, nothing would ever be on the level of destruction as was seen in the world wars.

The importance of the nation state began to decline in the late 20th century as people began to view themselves more as global citizens. The European Union, along with its common currency seeks to unify a historically troubled people. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) opened the borders between the United States, Canada, and Mexico to promote fair trade and multinational cooperation. With the addition of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we can begin to see the natural progression towards a world order. Many say it could never happen, but that too is what people said of the European Union. People may be thinking “How could they form an even larger governing body and expect individual nations to give up power, especially to weaker countries?” The Europeans realized that they were tired of dragging each other into the abyss and found that their future economic and competitive survival depended on it. They found it to be just as patriotic to be associated with their fellow Europeans. Trade and commerce expanded beyond national borders as people began to travel more and become cultured. The internet began to break down information gaps and allowed people to experience and crave the benefits that other societies had to offer. Nation states know that if they try to prevent people and companies from conducting commerce, they will move their operations overseas and utilize the internet to reach their global markets . It is becoming harder with each passing day for governments of nations to oversee the operations when its people are in a global mindset.

We live in properous times that now call for citizens of the globe to fight against problems that plague us all. Now, the focus is on equality, peace, preventing aids, ending poverty, securing nuclear material, protecting the environment, and combating global terrorism.

To conclude, I would appreciate any comments you have to share on this topic or any others discussed in previous posts. The more insight, the better!