Pick from each of your tribes men who are wise, discerning, and experienced, and I will appoint them as your heads. You answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” So I took your tribal leaders, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you: chiefs of thousands, chiefs of hundreds, chiefs of fifties, and chiefs of tens, and officials for your tribes.
Deuteronomy 1:13-15
Here I argue for subsidiarity as an antidote to the trend of globalism. Pope Leo XIII defined and endorsed subsidiarity in the Catholic church’s first encyclical letter on social doctrine called Rerum Novarum, issued in 1891. Subsidiarity endorses local rule.
Definitions: Globalism and Subsidiarity
Let’s begin by defining our terms to demonstrate the tension between subsidiarity and globalism:
Globalism actively promotes the integration of national economies and cultures into a unified global system. This ideology strives to erase boundaries and facilitate the unrestricted flow of goods, services, and ideas across nations. It finds support among prominent international organizations such as the World Economic Forum, United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, as well as policymakers, academia, “liberals,” and influential corporate entities. Yes, those are who stand to obtain, increase and cement power in shaping the globalist framework. By advocating for the convergence of national economies and cultures, globalism seeks to dismantle barriers and facilitate the seamless exchange of goods, services, and ideas.
Subsidiarity, on the other hand, is a principle deeply rooted in Catholic teachings. It argues that “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.” (CCC 1883)
Globalism and the Tower of Babel
A detour to the Tower of Babel illuminates the moral implications of globalism and underscores the crucial role of subsidiarity as a countervailing force.
And each one said to his neighbour: Come, let us make brick, and bake them with fire. And they had brick instead of stones, and slime instead of mortar. And they said: Come, let us make a city and a tower, the top whereof may reach to heaven: and let us make our name famous before we be scattered abroad into all lands. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of Adam were building.
And he said: Behold, it is one people, and all have one tongue: and they have begun to do this, neither will they leave off from their designs, till they accomplish them in deed. Come ye, therefore, let us go down, and there confound their tongue, that they may not understand one another’s speech. And so the Lord scattered them from that place into all lands, and they ceased to build the city. And therefore the name thereof was called Babel, because there the language of the whole earth was confounded: and from thence the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of all countries. Genesis 11:3 – 11:10
The Biblical account of the Tower of Babel depicts humanity’s ambition to unite under one structure, disregarding diverse identities, languages, and cultures. This endeavor challenges the natural order and erodes individual sovereignty and dignity. We’ve been warned about the dangers that arise when a singular global system suppresses the unique qualities and autonomy of individual communities
A Clash of Ideals – Globalism vs. Subsidiarity
In recent times, globalism has garnered endorsements in various forms. For instance, the World Economic Forum published a report in 2018 titled “Globalization 4.0: Shaping New Economic Frontiers,” advocating for the evolving nature of globalization through the rise of artificial intelligence, robotics, and disruptive technologies. The Democratic Party platform in 2019 also expressed a commitment to strengthening global partnerships and alliances to address shared challenges. President Joe Biden himself promotes a more just, equitable, and sustainable global economy using globalist strategies such as opening borders, rejoining international agreements, and increasing funding for globalist organizations.
Given the rising tide of globalism, it becomes imperative to recognize the potential conflict it poses with the timeless and essential Catholic social doctrine of subsidiarity.
The Threat of Globalism: Diminishing Local Autonomy
Globalism’s consolidation of power within supranational organizations undermines local decision-making and dilutes principles of subsidiarity. In this system, leaders become more loyal to each other than to those they govern. For example, EU bureaucrat Matteo from Naples, Italy will go along with Klaus from Munich or pretend to resist Klaus, in order to maintain status in the EU. This horizontal loyalty erodes the ability of local communities to hold them accountable.
In contrast, subsidiarity values decentralization and upholds the importance of local decision-making and autonomy. It recognizes the diversity of communities and the unique knowledge, experiences, and aspirations they possess. Subsidiarity respects the inherent dignity of individuals and promotes the preservation of local cultures and identities, which are vital components of societal fabric. By contrasting globalism’s emphasis on consolidation and uniformity with subsidiarity’s commitment to diversity and local empowerment, we can discern the fundamental tensions between these two approaches.
The encyclical “Quadragesimo Anno,” written by Pope Pius XI in 1931, highlights the importance of avoiding excessive centralization of power that deprives individuals and communities of their rightful autonomy. Globalism, with its tendency to consolidate authority, contradicts this essential principle.
The Importance of Subsidiarity: Nurturing Human Dignity
Subsidiarity, deeply rooted in the belief in the inherent dignity of the human person, affirms the agency, creativity, and responsibility of individuals and local communities. By allowing decisions to be made closer to those affected by them, subsidiarity respects the dignity of individuals and recognizes their unique knowledge and understanding of their own needs.
The Threat to Solidarity and Local Cultures: Homogenizing Influence
Globalist organizations and agreements like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and regional trade blocs aim, ostensibly, to promote global cooperation and economic integration. However, their policies can lead to the erosion of traditional industries, local businesses, and cultural cohesion. For example, unregulated/forced mass migration to U.S., U.K., and Europe in general, and driven by globalist agendas, can lead to the diminishing of local identities and values, creating social tensions and undermining the fabric of society.
In contrast, subsidiarity values and preserves the beauty of local cultures, recognizing their important role in society. It allows for diverse regional economic development and fosters prosperous local communities.
The Common Good and Subsidiarity: A Symbiotic Relationship
Subsidiarity and the common good are deeply intertwined. Subsidiarity fosters active participation and collaboration, enabling individuals and communities to work together towards the betterment of society as a whole. It recognizes that the common good is best achieved when decision-making is dispersed and shared among various levels of authority.
Detractors of subsidiarity often claim that it leads to inefficiency and ambiguity of power distribution. However, this argument overlooks the potential for subsidiarity to empower local decision-making and enhance accountability. By devolving power to lower-level communities, subsidiarity encourages leaders to be more closely attuned to the needs and aspirations of those they govern. Furthermore, subsidiarity can be complemented by clear frameworks for coordination and collaboration among different levels of authority, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in addressing shared challenges.
As a republic of united states, the U.S. is an example of subsidiarity in practice, with power distributed between the federal government and reasonably autonomous states, within which are counties and local municipalities. The American republic’s governance system allows for local decision-making and autonomy while maintaining national unity, fostering diverse regional economic development, and preserving local cultures. Despite its imperfections (imperfections being inevitable), the United States stands as a testament to the potential of subsidiarity in action. Flourishing as one of the most free, powerful, and prosperous nations in history, it has consistently fostered diverse regional economic development and successfully preserved the rich tapestry of local cultures. Indeed Americans are not genetically any better than any other, rather they have been blessed to live in a system that fosters individuality and local governmental accountability. (At least, up until 2009 or so.)
Preserving Subsidiarity: Upholding Human Flourishing
Amidst the globalist assaults on subsidiarity, such as the exploitation of medical crises and the consolidation of power by centralized authorities, the preservation and defense of subsidiarity become paramount. Subsidiarity, deeply embedded in Catholic social doctrine, sincerely champions human dignity and the pursuit of the common good. It stands as a crucial pillar of social justice, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in their unique ways.
As the globalist assault on subsidiarity intensifies, it is our duty to resolutely safeguard this principle. Subsidiarity, with its enduring relevance and profound benefits, empowers individuals, revitalizes communities, and contributes to the collective flourishing of humanity.
Globalists stand together across borders at the expense of those they are supposed to govern. Reject globalism and its centralized power – embrace subsidiarity and local rule.
