To construct anything socially, boundaries or islands, are required protected from the rest of the universe.
Globalization, or the interconnecting of all kinds of societies and social constructs, within and across national boundaries, has thrown things up in the air. People who used to call the shots and gained a lot through globalization, are flailing around helplessly, cuz what they gained doesn't help them control anything.
Look at cash, flowing instantly from one shell company to another, across city/state/national boundaries, avoiding tax, constantly multiplying, more and more disconnected from any social requirement or purpose.
The fact that those who call the shots aren't in control is where salvation lies.