Debate "Housekeeping" (07:05)

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John Donvan explains the format for the virtual debate about nationalism. He asks viewers to consider the impact of one's nation on his or her identity, introduces panelists, and instructs viewers to vote. Ian Brussels thanks founding partners of the Brussels Forum and IQ2.

Opening Statements For: Prerna Singh (04:20)

Political Scientist & Author Singh states that although world leaders are evoking exclusionary nationalism, nationalism can be a powerful force for good. It generates a sense of shared solidarity, linking personal and national welfare.

Opening Statements Against: Elif Shafak (04:24)

Activist & Author Shafak believes nationalism divides and excludes people, and is a constant source of tension, distrust, and conflict. It takes one political or economic crisis for a "nice nationalism" to become ugly.

Opening Statements For: Colin Dueck (04:03)

Policy Professor & Author Dueck states that nationalism is the best way to preserve the possibility for experimentation with self-government. American nationalism is a civic creed that respects minorities; the U.S. has the right to preserve its national sovereignty.

Opening Statements Against: Andrew Keen (04:30)

Internet Entrepreneur & Author Keen acknowledges that nation states are fine, but states that nationalism as an ideological manifestation of a nation state is problematic; fantasy nationalism leads to leaders who lie. Modern life does not conform to traditional ideas of nationalism.

Is Nationalism Rooted in Blood and Soil? (07:09)

Donvan summarizes opening statements. Singh argues that there are distinct versions of nationalism and cites positive examples. Shafak differentiates between patriotism and nationalism.

Nationalism in the United States (05:53)

Dueck defines American nationalism. Singh argues that distinguishing between patriotism and nationalism is semantics; Shafak and Keen defend the distinction.

Nation States (06:27)

Keen says Canada is a nation state without nationalism; Dueck states that English Canadians and French Canadians have a robust sense of nationalism. Panelists discuss differentiating nationalism and patriotism. Shafak states that nationalism is dangerous and misleading.

Q/A: Which Country is Doing Nationalism Best? (03:56)

Dueck cites the principle distinction between positive and negative nationalism. He and Keen debate the idea that nationalism allows leaders to lie.

Q/A: Big Tech, COVID-19, and Governance (05:46)

Coronavirus brings out the centrality of nationalism and nation states. Singh discusses the scapegoating of minorities. Shafak cautions against getting stuck in generalities.

Q/A: Internationalism (06:05)

Dueck considers whether an internationalist response is superior to nationalism; Europeans have the right to decide whether to remain in the European Union. Keen argues that capitalism is in crisis and other political experiments are occurring. Singh counters that nationalism is liquid.

Q/A: Power of Nationalism (09:56)

Shafak cites negative effects of anticolonial struggles that remain stuck in nationalism; nationalism changes rhetoric. Dueck cautions that some people have immediate concerns about globalization. Panelists disagree on whether nationalism is inherently dark and intolerant.

Closing Statements For: Dueck (02:32)

The Civil War was a vindication of healthy American nationalism. Nationalism is inclusive and stands for equality.

Closing Statements Against: Keen (02:11)

Nationalism is an archaic idea, based mostly on lies, that does not work; it is peddled by the "cult of yesterday." We need to rethink politics, institutions, and political identities.

Closing Statements For: Singh (02:50)

Nationalism is historically and currently defined in an inclusive manner by people in the streets around the world. It encourages the adoption of social welfare policies.

Closing Statements Against: Shafak (02:55)

Nationalism divides people and can become violent. How many atrocities must occur before we understand that nationalism is not the answer?

Voting and Acknowledgement (03:01)

Donvan instructs the virtual audience to vote and thanks panelists. IQ2 is a philanthropy.

Credits: Nationalism Is a Force for Good: A Debate (00:40)

Credits: Nationalism Is a Force for Good: A Debate