The dying nation-state and the rise of cities and corporations

Nothing brings out the idea that nation-states as we know them, are a dying breed, with cities and corporations rising to take their place as global political actors than the recent #MuslimBan by US President Donald Trump.

On one hand, we have the most powerful man (Donald Trump) leading the most powerful nation on earth (USA) banning “travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries — Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — from entering the US for 90 days. It also bans refugee admissions for 120 days and Syrian refugee admissions indefinitely”. The most visible and vibrant opposition challenging the apparatus (executive branch) of the nation-state are becoming the cities (mayors), corporations (presidents), and organized civil society.

So through one event, we see these city mayors, company presidents and activists moving from mere economic and social actors into global political actors with real and symbolic power aiming to counter the actions of the executive branch of the most powerful nation.

For instance, Starbucks is offering 10,000 new jobs to refugees worldwide over the next 5 years. Airbnb is offering accommodation to people temporarily affected by the #MuslimBan. San Francisco and New York are defending their traditional Sanctuary City roles. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and even the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) are showing teeth on affairs of global politics.

So instead of closing borders and building walls, Mr. Trump’s actions is helping the rise of viable alternative political actors to the nation-state. So while Trump is demonstrating his campaign promises of being a disruptive force and game-changer. And almost unremarkably, a new world order might have begun