The current global political and social landscape can be understood as a complex interplay of conflicts and adaptations driven by migration, globalization, and technological advancements. These forces have historically shaped human societies, influencing territorial boundaries, cultural identities, and economic systems. Today, they continue to fuel tensions between protectionist impulses and the ideals of openness, creating a dynamic process of conflict and evolution.

Historical Context: Migration, Territoriality, and Identity

Throughout history, human societies have been shaped by the dual impulses of territorial protection and expansion. From ancient conquests and wars to colonization and trade, migration has been a central force in the redistribution of people, resources, and ideas. These movements have often been driven by the need to secure resources, protect cultural identities, or expand influence. At the same time, they have led to the exchange of goods, knowledge, and traditions, fostering interconnectedness and cultural hybridity.

This behavior mirrors territorial instincts observed in the animal kingdom, where species defend resources critical to survival. However, humans have transcended purely instinctual behavior through the development of civilization, culture, and universal ideologies. Movements advocating for human rights, the emergence of major religions, and the spread of philosophical ideals reflect a growing conviction of unity—a recognition of all people as part of a shared human society. These ideals have promoted diversity and egalitarian principles, emphasizing the inherent rights of every individual to freedom, dignity, and opportunity.

Yet, the realization of these ideals has been uneven. Disparities in economic and social advancement have reinforced divisions, creating tensions between those who benefit from openness and those who feel threatened by it. This tension is not new; it has recurred throughout history, manifesting in cycles of protectionism and openness.

The Dialectic of Protectionism and Openness

The interplay between protectionism and openness can be understood through Hegel’s dialectical framework of Thesis, Antithesis, and Synthesis. In this model, the Thesis represents an established paradigm—such as globalization—while the Antithesis emerges as resistance to it, exemplified by protectionist and nationalist movements. Over time, the interaction between these opposing forces leads to a Synthesis, which reconciles elements of both and propels political and social evolution.

Protectionism—defending territorial boundaries, restricting migration, and limiting trade—often arises from fears of cultural erosion, economic instability, or threats to national security. It reflects a desire to preserve existing identities and systems. Conversely, openness promotes the free exchange of goods, ideas, people, and technologies, fostering interconnectedness and mutual progress. This dynamic tension is a recurring theme in human history, shaping the evolution of societies.

Assimilation and Accommodation: Cultural and Societal Adaptation

Jean Piaget’s theory of Assimilation and Accommodation provides further insight into how societies adapt to the movement of people, ideas, and technology. Assimilation occurs when new experiences are integrated into an existing framework, such as the adoption of foreign technologies or cultural practices. For example, the introduction of new crops, spices, and technologies through trade and migration has often been seamlessly integrated into local economies and cultures.

Accommodation, on the other hand, involves restructuring societal norms and systems to adapt to novel influences. This process is often more disruptive, as it requires fundamental changes to existing structures. For instance, colonization forced indigenous populations to restructure their political, economic, and religious systems, while colonizers themselves often adopted elements of local cultures, creating hybrid systems.

In the modern era, globalization continues to drive cycles of assimilation and accommodation. Immigrant populations introduce cultural practices—such as cuisine, music, and language—that are often assimilated into host societies. Simultaneously, societal structures, such as legal systems, education, and urban planning, undergo accommodation to address the needs of diverse populations. Technological innovations, such as digital communication and artificial intelligence (AI), are also being integrated into daily life, reshaping labor markets, education systems, and governance models.

Tensions and Resistance: The Role of Protectionism

These processes of assimilation and accommodation are not without tension. Resistance often arises when cultural or economic disruptions threaten existing identities or create inequality. Protectionist and nationalist movements seek to slow or reverse these processes, reflecting fears of cultural erosion or economic dislocation. Recent years have seen a resurgence of such ideologies, as evidenced by movements like “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) in the United States and similar nationalist efforts in Argentina, Brazil, and Europe. These movements resonate with populations who feel left behind by globalization, appealing to cultural anxieties and economic grievances.

However, the interconnected nature of globalization—particularly through advancements in technology and AI—makes it unlikely that such movements can fully reverse these trends. Instead, societies are more likely to enter a period of recalibration, balancing openness and protectionism to restore stability. This recalibration aligns with Hegel’s notion of synthesis, wherein a new framework emerges that incorporates elements of both global openness and local protectionism.

Artificial Intelligence: A Catalyst for Dialectical Change

Artificial intelligence exemplifies this ongoing dialectical process. AI accelerates the movement of ideas, knowledge, and innovation, reshaping industries, economies, and cultural exchanges. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, it reflects societal norms (assimilation) while also driving profound changes in governance, ethics, and labor systems (accommodation). The transformative potential of AI highlights the tension between the opportunities it creates and the challenges it poses, such as job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and misuse. In this sense, AI embodies both the promise of openness and the anxieties that fuel protectionist impulses.

The Path Forward: Synthesis and Evolution

The current era represents a transitional phase in humanity’s evolution. As with past upheavals, the resolution of these tensions will shape political, social, and economic landscapes for decades to come. These trends challenge us to reconsider fundamental questions: How do we balance belonging with inclusion? How do we protect individual rights while fostering collective well-being in an interconnected world? How do we navigate the tension between preserving cultural heritage and embracing inevitable change?

Ultimately, these challenges call for reflection on the deeper implications of movement—whether of people, goods, technology, or ideas—on personal and social well-being. They urge us to reevaluate the principles that underpin modern society, seeking pathways toward a future that honors both the diversity of human experience and the universal aspirations for dignity, opportunity, peace, and harmony that we all share.

In this broader context, the current conflicts and adjustments are not merely disruptions but part of an ongoing evolutionary process. By embracing the dialectical interplay of protectionism and openness, assimilation and accommodation, humanity can navigate these challenges and move toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Please note: This is one in a series of blog posts by Mohiuddin Ahmed, published under the blog title Existential Perspectives at existentialperspectives.wordpress.com, established in 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without the express written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mohiuddin Ahmed and Existential Perspectives, along with a direct link to the original content.