Topic: Rising Nationalism and Political Extremism
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Sam Noonan
School: Troy High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Palestine position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
The concept of nationalism is one that immediately draws a reaction – whether positive or negative, simply the word is enough to evoke great emotion and opinion from those on all sides of the political spectrum. Many have pride in their country, pride in their land, and pride in their government – Palestine believes that these principles are essential for a productive and efficient nation, and that great growth can come from them when kept in check. The Palestinian people are proud of their land and their country, and have fought for what they feel to be right. We love deeply our native lands, the places our ancestors lived, and the places our ancestors are to live. However, due to the creation of the state of Israel, our lands have been wrongly denied to us; a historic achievement involving a historic wrong – the displacement of our peoples from our native lands.
Israeli nationalism and hatred towards Palestine further breeds extremism, putting into a vicious cycle that leads to conflict on both sides. Take, for example, the recent Israeli raid in the Gaza Strip. A covert Israeli operation turned violent as they unleashed airstrikes and rocket fire, leaving at least seven Palestinians dead. This is the nature of nationalism that breeds and snakes into peoples of all countries and cultures, regardless of location or political orientation. Nationalism on one side causes extremism in return, and conflict is inevitable. The only true solutions must be achieved by either peaceful agreement or revolution – this is what history has dictated, and is what will remain if action is not taken.
