Topic: Rising Nationalism and Political Extremism
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Claire Michiko Verbrugge
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Thailand position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Nationalism is the devotion and loyalty to one's nation. One of the benefits of nationalism is that almost everyone considers the state to be legitimate and supports it mostly without question. It does not necessarily manufacture hatred for other nations or a competitive nature, for it requires a primary concern for one’s fellow citizens and the needs of the nation. Nationalism creates a sense of unity and strength within a nation. It has been an important driver for many movements including the Zionist movement. Zionism recreated a Jewish presence in Israel. Following World War II, the National Health Service was created in 1948 and fortified British identity. This establishment created health care paid by all. Similar occurrences are in the United States, which are specifically prevalent during the 1930s. The New Deal and the Great Society stabilized the economy and provided jobs and relief to those who were suffering. This was based on the principle of being proud of their country and working together.
Although a nationalist country will focus on its well-being and needs first, this does not mean that these countries are against working globally to secure unity and prosperity. Thailand’s government has dedicated outreach programs in Southern Thailand to counter radicalism to violence. Working with Muslim leaders, the Thai government worked to promote and improve interfaith dialogues between Muslims and Buddhists. Thailand has provided assistance to foreign powers in preventing or punishing extremist activity. After September 11, 2001, Thailand supported the United States to use Thai territory to interrogate terrorist suspects in the war against terror. Today, Thailand and the United States continue to deepen relationships through a joint military exercise with the appellation Cobra Gold. In July of 2017, the Thai government co-sponsored a conference in Bangkok regarding the most effective ways to counter radicalization to violence. In early 2016, the Thai government announced its intention to forge a new anti-terrorism pact with Australia in response to ISIS’s efforts to claim a foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nationalism can unite states and stimulate togetherness. The Kingdom of Thailand believes that little should be done to restrict the growth of nationalism, for it strengthens trust and promotes pride within a country. Thailand asks this committee to reevaluate the negative connotation Nationalism may have. Nationalism creates political and societal unity within one’s country and has not hurt the world economy. The United Nations does not need to strongly address the issue of rising nationalism and political extremism. Thailand hopes that this issue will end without causing disturbance and conflict between countries. The United Nations does not need to strongly address the issue of rising nationalism and political extremism.
