National disintegration

Nature

National disintegration results in control, open or disguised, by another country. It may be caused by debt, poverty, cultural invasion, economic imperialism or social breakdown within the country. A country may be subjected to military occupation because of ideological deviancy or may be substantially altered by ideological 'support'. The results of disintegration may be ethnic conflict, violence or apathy, exploitation, and forced assimilation.

Background

National disintegration emerged as a recognized global concern in the aftermath of decolonization and the world wars, when newly-formed states and established nations alike experienced internal fragmentation. The phenomenon gained prominence with the breakup of multinational states such as Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, prompting international attention to the destabilizing effects of ethnic, religious, and regional divisions. Scholarly and policy discourse has since increasingly focused on the complex interplay of identity, governance, and external influences in national cohesion.

Incidence

Although in the 20th century it has become more difficult for nations to be absorbed or annexed by others with the use of military force, political and economic influence of large powers is very strong. Small and developing countries are very susceptible.

Claim

The present-day division of the world between the two super-powers has resulted in the larger nations taking the stance of gangsters while the smaller, less self-sufficient nations are forced into the role of prostitutes or "gangsters' molls", doing whatever a larger nation requires in order to receive its protection.

Counter-claim

National disintegration is vastly overstated as a problem. Modern societies are more interconnected than ever, with robust institutions and shared values holding them together. Fears of fragmentation are often exaggerated by sensationalist media and political opportunists. In reality, diversity and debate strengthen nations rather than weaken them. Worrying about national disintegration distracts from real issues like economic inequality and climate change, which deserve far more attention and action.