What does "Nation" mean to you?

Europe has gone through a huge transformation since the end of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s.

Freedom of travel in the "Schengen Zone," one currency within the Eurozone - these are just some of the big changes Europe has experienced since the 1990s.  I’ve experienced the collapse of communism and the resurgence of capitalism first hand.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, in the 80's, I moved to Aachen, Germany in 1990.

My classroom was full of refugees from war-torn former Yugoslavia. As each group sought to redefine its identity, xenophobia became a common phenomenon. A lot of challenges Germany faces now make me recall that time.

During my studies in France and the US in the 2000s, I learned about different notions of  "freedom," and of "Nation." I witnessed the persistent clash between open, multicultural societies - and the desire to exclude "the foreigner."

During my work as a journalist I have reported on emerging and already established democracies in central and eastern Europe, East Africa, Hong Kong, South America, and the US.

I am a citizen of Germany and Hungary, but above all, I see myself as "European."

Which sentiment drives nationalism?

As economic globalization gained momentum following the end of the Cold War, many people started to think of themselves as "global citizens."

But in recent years this trend seems to be reversed: The fear of international terrorism, uncontrolled migration has led many people in democratic countries to lose faith in their ruling political elites. They are turning away from "globalization" and seek protection in their respective "Nation."

Manifestations of this trend have been the election of Donald Trump in the US, the UK's Brexit vote and the rise of Hindu nationalism in India.

So is it the same sentiment that drives nationalism around the globe?

I want to explore whether there is such a thing as #NewNationalism.

Our trip starts in the Netherlands, where all eyes are on the nationalist party of Geert Wilders and parliamentary elections on March 15. In the following months I will travel to a host of countries in Europe and around the world, before returning to Berlin, in time for the national elections here in September. In all these countries populist nationalists seem to be dominating the political discussions. How big are the similarities?

How can you be part of my journey?

#NewNationalism is being exploited by populists in many parts of the world. Their campaigns generally run on the concept of "Our nation first."  But what else drives this attitude, and why? What are you experiencing in your country? Do you know about new movements, activists? Are you part of them? What does "Nation" mean to you? We want to know about your perspective. Share your thoughts using #NewNationalism -  I want to integrate your input into my reporting.

Keep track of my travels via DW News on facebook.

Find all my content on www.dw.com/NewNationalism

And you can reach me directly on twitter @fannyfacsar