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globalist, neoliberal economic structure ('world order')
That's an interesting point, but I think that the 'neoliberal' adjective is the most telling one. Racist-driven populism in all its forms, feeds on whatever targets are available. In isolationist states it turns on supposed differences within the 'indigenous' populations, whatever they may be. Probably the only effective way of combating racist-driven populism is by education combined with exposure to members of those other despised groups; effective but most definitely not infallible. Breaking down the old antagonisms between nations by education and exposure is one of the positive aspects of globalism, but when globalism is hi-jacked by the economic interests of ultra-rich individuals or corporations, it is just as good at spreading despair and hatred. It's complex though; I think it's a mistake to view globalist, neoliberal, economics as coherent. Quite often corporations who might be imagined to have an interest in national and international harmony will ally themselves with local nationalist causes and create discord simply because it gives a short-term profit, even when it might reduce longer term profitability. In this respect I think it's often better viewed in psychological terms than political or economic ones.
Similarly the brexit argument isn't really susceptible to reasoned debate except on the margins where individuals have little investment in a particular view. For instance, my reasons for wishing to stay within the EU are largely ethical and emotional and I say that quite openly. I also happen to think there is a sound economic argument for remaining and that the sovereignty argument is a largely based on a fallacious view of what sovereignty actually is and what it has ever meant, but that is secondary to my main reasons. Incidentally, I think that one of the key aims of brexiteers, the end of free movement within the EU, is one of the saddest and most devastating losses to the UK. Unfortunately, economics has replaced morality as the only game in town (just as science has replaced religion) so all arguments centre on economics and any other areas of discussion are either secondary (defence, policing etc) or are dismissed as irrelevant, or abusive, or patronising or, or, or...
never trust a man in a blue trench coat, never drive a car when you're dead |
