Democracy Dies in Darkness

Obama warns against ‘a crude sort of nationalism’ taking root in the U.S.

November 15, 2016 at 10:57 a.m. EST
Speaking in Greece at a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, President Obama warned against the sense of "tribalism" taking root in the populist movements around the world. (Video: The Washington Post)

ATHENS — President Obama warned Tuesday that Americans and people around the world “are going to have to guard against a rise in a crude sort of nationalism, or ethnic identity, or tribalism” taking root amid the populist movements that are gaining currency around the world.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras by his side, Obama refrained from criticizing President-elect Donald Trump directly as he discussed the impact of his electoral victory last week. But the president made it clear that he sees a dark side to the kind of populist movements Trump's campaign embodied — ideals that other conservative leaders are advocating in Europe and elsewhere.