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RE: You can't choose your neighbours
Geopolitically, it's a pretty bad time; I'm curious to see how it will be portrayed in history books later... In my opinion, the only way out of this is to overcome nationalism. I don't see a significant majority of people being willing to do that. Take care of yourselves! Make sure you get through this unscathed, no matter what happens.
You’ve spoken about nationalism many times before, and I know your stance — that borders are merely a means for the powerful to control people.
But if we remove the concept of nationalism altogether, wouldn’t that lead to chaos — a jungle law of sorts? In fact, even jungles have their own order, but what we’re seeing here feels far stranger.
To me, nationalism itself isn’t a bad thing; it’s the actions carried out in its name that are wrong.
Nationalism also gives rise to the idea of loyalty and devotion to one’s nation above all other interests.
But how do we navigate this concept? That’s where the big powers come into play — they manipulate it for their personal gains, and our country is no exception. Yet when has politics ever been a clean entity? Or human beings ever been free of prejudice, corruption, or self-interest?
So, what do you propose in its place? What kind of model would work better? People would still find loopholes in that too.
In my view, nationality, citizenship, and even colloquial territorial boundaries are excellent systems — they nurture a sense of belonging and love for one’s homeland.
Just as people living in the same neighborhood maintain their own households with respect, celebrate weddings cross the neighborhoods, and play competitive cricket with those in nearby areas — yet still protect their own neighborhood.