Over the past twenty years, what the term globalism truly means has been a very hotly contested debate between arguments that support the idea that indeed, the world is getting smaller, while on the other hand, others contest this and say the world is getting larger.

Globalization has been in vogue for centuries in fashioning economies, politics, and cultures. The direction of global society now seems to come to an interesting juncture: the rise of nationalism and increased political polarization being some new current contexts, with rapidly changing technology, has conspired to make the outlook for the future of globalism more complex.

But over the past couple of years or so, the tide has begun to turn. The 2008 financial crisis laid bare the fragilities of global capitalism and ushered in a wave of skepticism about globalization. In far too many regions, this has taken the form of a retreat into nationalism, protectionism, and the rallying cry of localism.

That very sentiment has been exploited by the likes of Donald Trump in the US, Boris Johnson in the UK, and several far-right leaders across the continent to rally support for policies dedicated first and foremost to the interests of their respective nations, not global cooperation.

The fact is, the world is economically interdependent. Global supply chains are the behemoths of industries, financial markets interlinked, making local economies sensitive to every change in the global perspective. It is all this interdependence that is being challenged by the growing nationalism and protectionism in the modern world.

More countries have been reviewing trade agreements and focusing on domestic industries, slapping tariffs around. A very good example is the decision of the United States to withdraw from the TPP and renegotiate NAFTA under the framework of the USMCA, which are all examples of giving first priority to national interests at the expense of a broader economic partnership.

On the other hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the need for cooperation at the global level in order to solve the problems of humanity.
However, what materialized was unprecedented collaboration between countries, drug manufacturers, and international institutions for the unbelievably rapid development and distribution of vaccines.

This pandemic made it crystal clear how little the world is isolated and reminded us that responses to such global common challenges as climate change, pandemics, and economic insecurity are important. To that end, even while nationalism surges around the globe, the imperative nature of issues to be resolved necessitates cooperation-perhaps at a threshold of balance to counter fragmentation.

Cultural globalization has also been another imperative modulator of globalism. The use of the Internet and social media has provided a scope for idea, culture, and value sharing across boundaries.

Acceptance of globally occurring phenomena, such as K-Pop, American movies, and international cuisines, reflect cross-border cultural interconnectedness. These exchanges make for an enriched society, one which fosters more understanding and is far less stereotypical.

It is this upsurge in identity politics and cultural protectionism that has brought about tension.
Many feel that globalization dissolves local cultures and traditions into some kind of homogeneous global culture with a particular bent toward the West. That has seen the growing trend of efforts at retaining local identities, languages, and cultures, which often begets cultural fragmentation.

The cultural appropriation versus appreciation debate catches this struggle of communities with the very conception of cultural exchange in a globalizing world.

Among other things, technologies are driving forces of globalization that link people and their communities more than ever before. Social media enables grassroots movements and gives voices to people traditionally silenced, mobilizing against various struggles around the world.
Examples of technology-enabled global solidarity against social injustices include the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements.

Equally valid, technology has the potential to be an echo chamber that reinforces divides and polarizes opinion.
Most algorithms on social media sites favor sensational content; the spread of misinformation entrenches ideological divides. This fragmentation finds most vivid expression in the political landscape: partisan divides have deepened, and civil discourse has shrunk.

Moreover, inequality further worsens because of the digital divide; technology and access to the Internet are still very unequal between different regions. Some will benefit from being globally connected, while the others will be left further behind, fueling more resentment and fragmentation.
Overcoming such a divide would make globalism truly beneficial for all people, not sharpen the already existing differences.

The future direction taken by globalism will thus depend on how we can negotiate the pulls of interconnectedness and those of fragmentation.
Global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions are what demand convergent solutions. Yet, one cannot turn a blind eye to a growing tide of nationalism and protectionism as a kind of legitimate response to perceived failures of globalization.

In other words, the challenge is to realize cooperative global integration based on respect for local identities and interests. In this respect, the policymakers should focus on inclusive global governance that empowers nations to take bold action in their interests, while working with other nations in common endeavors. This can curtail the movement against globalization and support a more decent global order.

Globalism has no fate; it is the consequence of what we do in common. Undeniably, strong centrifugal forces seem to be operative in today's world, pulling our societies apart. Equally, however, an enormous opportunity for connectivity and cooperation exists. Going forward, dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding will have to be nurtured across borders.

It is now, in this unravelling moment, that globalism confronts us-the companion piece to the establishment of local identity and interests.
The path forward is a balance of global cooperation, cultural diffusion, and technological equity. And in navigating such nuances, we might create a world that not only stands more connected but also inclusive and equitable-a world reflecting back at us the rich tapestry of humanity.