Globalism, the Administrative State, and Progressivism: Bad for Tribal Nations

Historically, Tribal Nations have been resilient, maintaining their distinct identity and cultural values despite numerous adversities. However, the emergence of globalism, the expansion of the administrative state, and the rise of the progressive movement pose unique challenges. We will explore how these trends negatively affect Tribal Nations, pushing out Native entrepreneurship, jeopardizing treaty rights, and eroding traditional values.

The Threat of Globalism and ESGs

Globalism, characterized by nations’ increasing interconnectedness and interdependence, can inadvertently undermine Indigenous peoples’ rights. These effects are particularly evident in imposing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards on Tribal Nations. ESGs, while ostensibly promoting sustainability, often marginalize Indigenous entrepreneurs by imposing Western-centric standards that may not align with Native values or practicalities.

ESGs disempowers Native entrepreneurs and inhibits the growth of Native-owned businesses, hindering economic development on tribal lands.

The Mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO)

A United Nations agency, the WHO, aims to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. However, its initiatives often overlook the unique health challenges Native peoples face. Policies and programs are frequently designed with a global rather than local focus, resulting in a need for culturally sensitive approaches.

Consequently, the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples remain disproportionately poor, highlighting the need for greater recognition of Indigenous health needs within international health governance structures.

• WHO ‘overstretched’ in response to increasing health emergencies | Reuters

The Influence of the World Economic Forum (WEF)

The WEF’s global initiatives and projects often favor large-scale, international businesses, which can marginalize local economies, such as those of Indigenous communities. Due to diversity and representation issues, Indigenous communities face challenges in participating in global economic forums like the WEF. The global economic and political structures need to adequately accommodate Indigenous peoples’ unique views and interests, leading to their underrepresentation and marginalization in these spaces.​

• Expert voices concerns about the prominent role of the WEF during Food Summit | Geneva Solutions

The Ever-Expanding Administrative State – Big Gov

With its pervasive regulations and bureaucracy, the expanding administrative state can be likened to a discovery doctrine, infringing upon tribal sovereignty and treaty rights by imposing uniform regulations, conditional (under) funding, and land grabs without adequately consulting tribal governments or considering Indigenous rights and traditions, the administrative state risks undermining the self-determination of Tribal Nations.

A growing, expanding federal government echo the historic Doctrine of Discovery, legitimizing the colonial dispossession of American Indians’ lands and sovereignty.

• Federal Policies Trap Tribes in Poverty | americanbar.org

Progressivism is Not Progress

Despite its intent to promote social justice, the progressive movement often fails to recognize the distinct needs and rights of Tribal Nations. By focusing on broad societal change, the movement overlooks the unique historical, cultural, and legal contexts of Tribal Nations. Policies that advocate for collectivism can undermine the individualism that is also an essential part of our many diverse and unique Native cultures.

Moreover, the progressive movement’s emphasis on global solidarity can overshadow the importance of treaty rights and dedication to tribal communities.

• How America’s Identity Politics Went from Inclusion to Division | US Politics | The Guardian

Embracing Self-Reliance, Freedom, and Sovereignty

To preserve their cultures and advance their interests, Tribal Nations need to embrace principles of individualism, freedom, and patriotism. These principles align with many traditional Native American values, such as respect for individual autonomy, love for the land, and commitment to community. Upholding these conservative and traditional values, alongside a firm commitment to tribal sovereignty, can empower Tribal Nations to resist adverse global trends and ensure their survival and prosperity.

Additional Reading

• Dee Brown. (1970). Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
• Gwynne, S. C. (2016). Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History. Scribner.
• Poliandri, S. (Ed.). (2017). Native American Nationalism and Nation Re-building: Past and Present Cases. State University of New York Press​.
• Champagne, D. (2015). Indigenous Nations within Modern Nation States. JCharlton Publishing.
• Miller, R. J. (2012). Reservation “Capitalism”: Economic Development in Indian Country. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger​.
• Anderson, T. L. (2016). Unlocking the Wealth of Indian Nations. Lexington Books/Fortress Academic​.

The challenges posed by globalism, the administrative state, and the progressive movement necessitate a steadfast commitment to tribal sovereignty, self-reliance, and traditional values. By doing so, Tribal Nations can safeguard their rights, promote their development, and preserve their unique cultural heritage in the face of external pressures.