Nationalism and Gross Domestic Product: Causal Model for Economic Productivity

A country’s productivity is generally defined as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This value determines the primary macroeconomic activity of a country and ultimately, its periodic accomplishment and global standing. Throughout history, this indicator was the primary goal of every nation. This study suggests that nationalism is an integral factor of productivity. Nationalism is operationally defined in 3 segments – a country’s (1) consolidated official language, (2) traditional writing system, and (3) net migration. These independent variables are factors that may have a significant causal effect towards a country’s productivity, which is measured as the GDP. Using secondary data from published global statistical websites, this study employed multiple regression analysis to demonstrate the hypothetical claim. According to the data gathered from 90 country’s GDP for year 2023, it is found out that having more adopted official language tends to increase a country’s productivity. However, it appears that a country’s adherence to its traditional writing system is not an indicator of high productivity. More importantly, it is proven that the more a country retains its citizens residency and attract expatriates and emigrants, the more productive it may become. Ultimately, this study highly recommends that a country should formulate initiatives that can nourish nationalism primarily through decreasing citizen migration, increasing foreign emigrants, and putting up sound policies in education and language.