The concept of “campism” originated during the Cold War era, between 1947 and 1989, when the world was divided into socialist and capitalist blocs led by the Soviet Union and the United States respectively. The idea of campism was embraced by the communist movement and its allies, who believed in aligning themselves with the forces of progress and socialism as represented by the Soviet Union, or becoming supporters of American imperialism. Campism could also exist on the right, with the notion of “my country, right or wrong” reflecting blind loyalty to one’s own nation, even if it meant supporting brutal dictators in the fight against communism.
Although the socialist camp has disappeared following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the concept of campism has endured and even resurfaced in public discourse. Recent events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the joint efforts of Moscow and Beijing to challenge Western dominance have reignited a sense of bloc rivalry. The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has further fueled polarization. While the camps are not as rigidly structured as during the Cold War, countries in the “global South” often engage in multi-alignment and transactional diplomacy based on their specific interests at any given time.
Campism is characterized by a simplistic black-and-white view of the world, where individuals automatically rally behind their chosen camp without considering the nuances of each situation. On the left, campism has evolved to focus on supporting any regime or social force in opposition to the United States, rather than aligning with the now-defunct Soviet Union. This shift represents a move from viewing “the enemy of my friend (the USSR) is my enemy” to “the enemy of my enemy (the United States) is my friend.” Gilbert Achcar, a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, has noted this transition in leftist support networks.
Both domestically and internationally, the resurgence of campism has led to heightened polarization and the formation of new alliances based on shared ideologies or opposition to common enemies. While the global political landscape is no longer as clearly divided into distinct camps as it was during the Cold War, the tendency to align with one side or the other persists in various forms. The rise of nationalist and populist movements in many countries has further fueled this trend, creating new fault lines in international relations.
Amidst these complex dynamics, the concept of campism continues to shape political discourse and influence decision-making on a global scale. The legacy of the Cold War era remains palpable in contemporary conflicts and alliances, underscoring the enduring relevance of ideological divisions and power struggles in shaping world events. As countries navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes and evolving threats, the specter of campism looms large, influencing diplomatic strategies, alliances, and conflicts in ways that echo the past while shaping the future of international relations.
