The post-Cold War era was marked by the rise of globalization, characterized by free trade, open borders, multilateralism, and liberal internationalism. However, in recent years, this global integration is losing momentum due to economic inequality, geopolitical tensions, cultural backlash, and technological disruption.

As a result, the world is witnessing a resurgence of sovereign nationalism where states prioritize national interests, borders, and identities over global cooperation.

Evidence of Waning Globalization

• Export restrictions: India imposed foodgrains export bans in 2022-23, China restricted rare earth exports.
• Import barriers: India's laptop import licensing (2023), US semiconductor restrictions on China.
• Rise of Protectionism: Many nations are imposing tariffs, restricting foreign investments, and reshoring industries. Example: “Make America Great Again” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” reflect protectionist policies.
• Supply chain reshoring: Companies relocating from China - Apple shifting iPhone production to India.
• Retreat from Multilateralism: Countries are bypassing WTO and global institutions in favor of bilateral or protectionist trade deals. Example: The US-China trade war and the weakening role of WTO dispute resolution.

Rise of Sovereign Nationalism

Political and Strategic Autonomy:

• Multi-alignment policies: India's balanced approach during Russia-Ukraine conflict, maintaining relations with all parties.
• Border securitization: Enhanced border controls, visa restrictions, immigration policies.
• Digital sovereignty: Data localization laws in India, China's internet restrictions, EU's GDPR.
• Cultural nationalism: Emphasis on local languages, traditions - Hindi promotion in India, Mandarin in China.
• Military self-reliance: India's defense indigenization achieving 78% domestic procurement (2023-24).

Economic Self-Reliance Initiatives:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: India's self-reliance push with ₹1.97 lakh crore PLI scheme.
• Made in China 2025: China's domestic technology advancement program.
• America First: US reshoring initiatives and CHIPS Act ($52 billion semiconductor investment).
• Strategic autonomy: EU's Green Deal and digital sovereignty initiatives
• Critical mineral security: Countries securing domestic supply chains for rare earth elements.

Impact on Global Order

Regional Realignments:

• QUAD, AUKUS: Security-focused partnerships replacing economic multilateralism.
• BRICS expansion: Addition of 6 new members in 2024, challenging Western-dominated institutions.
• Indo-Pacific strategies: Multiple nations developing region-specific approaches.
• Decoupling trends: US-China technological separation, selective economic engagement.

The contemporary world order reflects strategic globalization where nations pursue calibrated international engagement while strengthening domestic capabilities. This shift, embodied in India's "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" approach at G20 presidency, suggests a future of sovereign interdependence rather than unfettered globalization.