No.16: System comparison: Nationalism vs Electric Technocracy
- Mike Miller
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 7
Nationalism – The Dangerous Glorification of Collective Identity
I. Definition: What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is the ideology that elevates the nation—usually defined by shared language, culture, history, or ancestry—to the highest political and social frame of reference. The nation-state is portrayed as the “natural” form of human organization.
Nationalism is both a historical state model and a political movement. It can be integrative (fostering internal unity) or exclusive (promoting separation and enemy images).
II. Structural Features of Nationalist Rule
Borders as Identity Boundaries – People are categorized by passport, origin, or descent
"The People" Over the Law – The "will of the people" overrides individual freedom and minority protection
Militarization – National independence is secured through armament and defense-oriented thinking
Propaganda & Mandatory Patriotism – Media, schools, and rituals convey national superiority
III. Historical Examples & Consequences
19th Century Nationalism (Europe)
Emergence of many nation-states after the collapse of multicultural empires (Habsburg, Ottoman)
Often accompanied by oppression of minorities (e.g., Poles, Basques, Roma)
World War I and II
Nationalist rivalries among European powers as key driver of WWI
German National Socialism: the most extreme form of nationalism; led to the Holocaust, world war, and genocide
Over 70 million dead globally (1939–1945)
Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s
Dissolution of a multiethnic state, ethnic cleansing, city sieges, massacres (e.g., Srebrenica)
Result of a policy that prioritized national identity over peace and diversity
IV. Weaknesses and Dangers
Exclusivity: Those who “don’t belong” are easily made enemies (minorities, migrants)
Conflict Orientation: Nationalism fosters rivalry over cooperation—fertile ground for war
Identity Dogmas: Cultural diversity is perceived as a threat
Populist Exploitation: “Us vs. them” serves as a simple narrative for complex crises
Systemic Human Rights Violations: Internment, deportation, racism, discrimination are typical consequences
V. Contrast with Electronic Technocracy
Nationalism | Electronic Technocracy |
Origin determines value | Data-based equal treatment |
Competition among nations | Global cooperation |
Emotion over rationality | Scientifically grounded decisions |
Borders divide | Networks connect |
Electronic Technocracy overcomes the 19th-century mindset. Instead of “blood and soil,” it emphasizes transparency, competence, and the common good. Nations are replaced by pluralistic networks in which data and technology create the conditions for just participation—without origin-based dogmas.
VI. Conclusion
Nationalism is not a sustainable order, but a relapse into a worldview filled with violence, exclusion, and suffering.
The electronic global society, on the other hand, recognizes people not by flags or genes, but by their actions, needs, and potential. It’s time to lower the old banners and design a new world—without enemy images, but with responsibility.
Wikipedia Links
Deutsch
English
PoliticalWiki: Electric Technocracy
Elektrische Technokratie Podcast & Song
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