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Open Borders are Anti-Democratic
If you are a leftist, you should be against open borders as it diminishes democracy and promotes hypercapitalism. Let me explain why.
Being in favor of open borders is a classic leftist point of view. In this regard I am the black sheep of the left. I very much believe in strong borders and I believe in the nation-state.
But how can I? Don’t borders divide people instead of uniting them? Don’t borders create wars? Aren’t borders racist? Isn’t it about keeping brown people out? If I support borders, I must hate Mexicans, right? I must be a Trumpist of some sort?
How Your Views are Shaped by the Size and Power of Your Nation
No, no, and more no. However, I will make a point that may come across as prejudiced, namely the belief that a lot of this rhetoric about the wonders of open borders comes from people inhabiting superpowers like the US or other great powers. These are people who have no history or experience with the struggles of preserving a small nation-state.
If lack of borders was inherently good, then the British Empire was a good thing because it removed borders between countless countries. If lack of borders was good, then the USSR would be preferable over the current state of former Soviet republics.
