SJS1 - Nationalism and Globalization in South America

Source: Siekmeier, James. "Nationalism and Globalization in South America."  Current History February, 2015. Vol 114. Issue 769. 68-72. 

Author Credentials: James Siekmeier is an associate professor of history at the University of West Virginia, with a Ph.D. from Cornell University. 

Summary: Nationalism is present in Latin America, and is used as a way to fend off globalization. Nationalism and globalization seem to be to forces that counteract each other, but without one, the other could not exist. In this context, globalization refers to either the increasing connections between all aspects of the modern world, or the idea creating an world where international transactions are free and open. The three categories of nationalism that are listed include the nationalism of elite officials, indigenous people, as well as the working class. Physical and social integration are the main causes of nationalism in nineteenth century Latin America. The new nationalism is not driven by the same forces, but a new one known as "plurinacionalismo." This form of nationalism groups Latin America into a nation comprised of cultures and  languages. This differs from the traditional idea of nationalism in a nation-state. Latin American nationalism is very unique compared to nationalism from other regions across the globe, having gained political independence well before social and economic independence. In addition, Latin America has very diverse population, in multiple aspects, which only weakens its unity as a nation. Populist nationalism arose as the working class sought out more of a voice in government. Cultural nationalism is another important point, because the values of the Latin American's differs greatly from the values of a North American. Economic nationalism supports the deviation of national economies from the worldwide system. This variation of nationalism arose when the United States began to exploit the natural resources that Latin America had. Their fear for the loss of their resources and the effects it would have on the generations to come gave birth to economic nationalism. Globalization, in short, increases the connection of the entire world. Media, migration, and economic transaction drive globalization across the globe. A problem arises from the increasing globalization. It can cause the nationalism of a nation to either gain strength of diminish. Therefore, globalization is what caused Latin America to gain such a heavy sense of nationalism that continues to exist in the present.

Analysis: The argument he proposed, which exposes th link between globalization and nationalism, is very well organized. He was able to include a sufficient amount of very convincing information in his writing. Latin America was a very good model to revolve around, displaying multiple negative consequensenced of globalization, a process that is meant to create positive outcomes. Siekmeier refrains from including his opinion in the article entirely.  I believe that he is a reliable source, having published work in multiple scholarly journals, as well a Ph.D.