The Resurgence of Nationalism in the Post COVID-19 Era; Case Study of Italy and Finland

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, has had profound and far-reaching effects on societies worldwide. It initially fostered a sense of global solidarity and cooperation, with nations working together to combat the virus. However, as the crisis deepened, it also exposed vulnerabilities and inequities within and between nations and the global impact spurred increased emphasis on self-reliance, national identity, and the protection of domestic interests. Thus, this paper examines how a global crisis influences the resurgence of nationalism with a special focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for the rise of nationalist sentiments in Italy and Finland. Furthermore, this intends to explore the role of political leadership in shaping nationalist narratives during a global crisis, emphasizing either collective responsibility or exclusive nationalism. The study is based on qualitative and secondary data gathered from websites, books, journals, and exploratory case studies of Italy and Finland, and the research question is addressed through the concept of nationalism, following a descriptive analysis of the collected data. The analysis emphasizes the drastic political ramifications that delve into the transformation of left-wing politics towards right-wing orientations in the aftermath of the pandemic, which is particularly centered on nationalism. This highlighted the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and the resurgence of nationalism, which is crucial in understanding the dynamics to navigate the post-pandemic world effectively. Overall, it emphasizes the complexity of national responses to global crises and offers insights into the factors that drive the resurgence of nationalist sentiments in times of global crisis. Further research is required to explore the long-term consequences of this resurgence and its impact on international relations, global governance, and the pursuit of common global goals.