Nationalism in the 21st Century - Yuval Noah Harari at the India Today Conclave 2018

TL;DR

Nationalism is experiencing a revival, but it cannot address the global challenges of the 21st century. Global problems demand global solutions, but humans are more likely to prioritize their own national interests. To ensure the survival and prosperity of humanity, politicians must prioritize global issues and create a global identity.

Transcript

• And ladies and gentleman we begin with the session, have you already, can I hear a nice, loud round of applause, wonderful. (audience claps) Wonderful, may I please call on stage Vice-Chairperson of the India Today group, Kallie Purie to begin our next session, and please put your hands together as I invite our guest for the evening, best-selling... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌐 Nationalism is resurging despite the global challenges of the 21st century.
• 🌐 Cooperation and loyalty towards a global community are necessary to tackle global issues effectively.
• ✊ Humans have the power to manipulate and upgrade themselves, but this requires a deep understanding of ourselves and the potential consequences of these changes.
• 🥶 The notions of free will and consciousness are being challenged by scientific discoveries, calling for a shift in legal systems that focus on deterrence, prevention, and correction rather than punishment.
• 🌐 Storytelling and attachment to one's story can make it difficult for individuals to see things from a different perspective and address global problems.
• 🌐 A global political perspective is necessary to address global challenges, but it doesn't require one ruling political party across countries. It means all political parties recognizing the importance of global issues and addressing them in their policies.
• 🥺 The danger of messianic language in politics: eternal, redemption, and purity, as it often leads to dangerous and authoritarian ideologies.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is war really obsolete?

While war has been declining over the years, it is still possible and can erupt at any moment. Human decisions and wisdom have prevented nuclear war so far, but there is no guarantee that this will continue.

Q: How can politics be globalized?

Globalizing politics doesn't mean creating a global government or empowering international organizations like the UN. It means recognizing the importance of global issues and prioritizing them in national politics. This can be done through education, raising awareness, and promoting cooperation between nations.

Q: Do you believe in God?

While there is a mysterious force responsible for the great mysteries of life, the concrete law-giver God with specific opinions on various matters doesn't exist. Humans should focus on understanding themselves and reality rather than relying on religious myths and stories.

Q: How can loyalty to humankind be encouraged in a world focused on micro-identities?

Education is key in fostering a sense of global identity. Teaching the history of humankind, promoting awareness of global issues, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all human beings can help individuals develop loyalty towards humanity as a whole.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nationalism is making a comeback in the Western world, and even in hegemonic powers like China and India, despite the global challenges faced in the 21st century.

• Nations emerged as a solution to large-scale problems that small tribes couldn't solve, but they are no longer the right framework to address current challenges.

• Nuclear war, ecological collapse, and technological disruption are global challenges that nations cannot solve individually. Global cooperation and loyalty are necessary to tackle these issues effectively.