Topic: Rising Nationalism and Political Extremism
Country: United Arab Emirates
Delegate Name: Anthony Moncman
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All United Arab Emirates position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Nationalism has persisted in the world for as long as civilization. In years building to the Second World War, nationalism was preeminent in nearly all countries, as they all felt their own sense of uniqueness. Since then, nationalism has been on an overall decline, however, in recent years, nationalism has begun to be fueled in many major countries. America’s president Donald Trump has aided in a new rise of American nationalism in recent years, with a significant increase in the country. Despite the past 75 years of cooperation and interconnectedness between western countries, many of them have had a sudden increase in nationalism. There has been a sharp rise in extremist groups in recent years in many countries as well. Increasing levels of extremism in the Arab world has become alarmingly dangerous, especially in countries such as Iran, where it has been being supported far more in recent years than in times past. The UAE has been more active than ever in the delicate process of deescalating extremism in the region around them. The UAE has responded to the acts of Iran as a unit in the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen. In order to combat extremism in the UAE; Islamic authorities have begun to educate prisoners on Islamic ethics and moral codes. The UAE’s nationalism extends to the point to where foreigners must contribute to the economy to be permitted to stay in the country without being deported. Immigrants that contribute to the economy, however, are unable to become full citizens. The ruler of the nation always acts in the best interest of the nation, and on the full extent of the nation’s ideologies. The UAE has developed an Islamic framework, and focuses on progression rather than nationalism, yet at the same time retains pride in the country and beliefs. This committee is required to, and should be held responsible for, meeting the requirements for each country, not just a broad resolution for the world, as every nation has its own needs to combat this plague. The situation in Iran and other Islamic states must be kept under tight control in order to help fight extremism in this region. In order to solve this conflict, large nations must also aid each other rather than to feel the need to be superior to one another. This can only be achieved through better economy, infrastructure, and other factors that contribute to the rise in nationalism. One component that must be factored in is the recruitment of the youth to both extreme and nationalist groups. This is a large issue in several Islamic states, as youth are being herded into these groups as for a sense of belonging and pride. All of these components should be discussed in order to combat this issue and only after that has been done can the Special Political committee discuss long-term solutions.
