Topic: Rising Nationalism and Political Extremism
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Amanda Morello
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Syria position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
As a country located in a region of extensive political turmoil, the history of extremism and nationalism pertaining to the stability, or lack thereof, in Syria is plentiful. Less than a century ago, Syria regained its independence. Appealing to the ethnic majority, the government structure remained inclusive to ethnic minorities, centralizing control to bridge ethnic and religious differences. A stable government guided by strictly independent policy, building political interests on an solemn search for identity. However, Western ideals of democratic influence in relation to Middle Eastern politics has fueled national tension and ensnared the whole of Syria in a multidimensional civil war.
Historically, Syrians and Arabs have had a desire to be free of foreign influence, while building a nation-state that is unified, stable, and defensive. Met with the tumultuous disturbances of the manipulative West and the far reaching tactics of rebel groups and the Islamic State, Bashar al-Assad is fully aware of the impact of rising nationalism and political extremism. Such extremities constitute the importance of a goal oriented government and conclusive policy, thus, Assad is doing his job to fight and defend his country against such atrocities. Syria acknowledges nationalism as an ideological sentiment defined by one’s extreme patriotic motivation to defend the notion of their belief superiority and that nationalism grows in strength due the conditions of a homogeneous state.
As the Special Political Committee, it is our duty to acknowledge truth that nationalism has been driven to extremes. If this committee is to fully address the issue of rising nationalism and political extremism, a viable resolution must encompass three specific topics. First, the committee must address to what extent does one’s prolonged devotion become extreme? There is a great difference between patriotism, nationalism, and extremism. Syria rightly labels the rebel factions and Islamic State as extreme, arguing their devotion has surpassed the collective belief system of Syria. Secondly, the resolution must not take away the sovereignty of one's nation. Each nation must be allowed to take part in combating extremism independent of unwanted intervention. Lastly, and arguably the most crucial, is addressing Western “transparency” and intervention. Although many see democracy as an essential solution to the stabilization process of the East, Syria rightfully states that such measures have the potential to mask corruptive ideals. Despite those Western ideals for global unification they have neglected their own foundational democratic principles proving the West itself has fallen ill to nationalism.
Syria calls upon Arab nations to combat the growth of Western colonialism, imperialism, and destructive influence on their home land. Syria calls upon all nations to rethink true meaning of democracy and to see the reckless power obtained by those countries today. Syria calls upon the United Nations to establish a basis for countries to combat rising nationalism while exterminating Western presence in the Middle East.
Syria looks forwards to working with all nations through a structured debate.
