The Geopolitics of Christmas: A Duality of Peace and Conflict

Introduction:

Christmas is not often linked to international relations or politics. It is generally seen as a time of celebration, peace, and goodwill, characteristics not usually associated with

geopolitics, a subject filled with conflict, both morally and physically. Despite this,

geopolitics does not pause during the festive season, and for centuries, the holidays have become entangled with geostrategy. While also being a significant religious and cultural tradition for many, it is an event which has been used by great powers as a tool of soft power and a marker of national identity.

At its very foundation, Christmas is a Christian holiday. However, in the 21st century, billions of people from across the globe and from all walks of life celebrate it. The spread of Christmas from a sole Christian celebration to a holiday that can be enjoyed by anyone is reflective of missionary activity and imperial expansion (some would argue they are one and the same) as well as cultural dominance. The colonial powers of Europe brought their traditions with them to the Americas, Africa, and Asia, with Christmas being one of these traditions, embedding the festive season within different societies. Eventually, Christmas was not limited to a Christian holiday alone and became associated with modernity and Western norms. Thus, it became embedded into a global cultural system, of which was greatly shaped by Europe and eventually the U.S.

Tool of soft power:

When the U.S. ended its policy of isolationism and emerged as a great power in the early 20th century, they used the Christmas tradition as a powerful tool of soft power. Hollywood, one of the U.S.’s greatest forms of propaganda and soft power, was used to create popular Christmas movies, along with festive music and imagery, which reframed Christmas away from a purely Christian holiday, and instead linked it with Santa Claus, decorated trees and gift-giving. This contributed to mass consumerism and the rise of capitalism as the dominant global economic system. As a result, Christmas was repackaged as a globalized holiday, accessible to people from all backgrounds. Today, Christmas decorations and advertising can be found in non-Christian countries, representing the dominance of American culture, and the ability to influence other states without relying on hard power.

Christmas and National Identity:

Due to the cultural and religious associations with Christmas, celebration of the tradition in some countries is often regulated and may not be permissible at all. As it is widely viewed as a Western tradition, honoring Christmas can be interpreted as a state aligning themselves with Western values. In others, however, the assertion not to celebrate Christmas can be seen as a way to uphold sovereignty, preserve national tradition and distinguish themselves from the West. China can be used as an example in this case. While celebrations of the holiday are not outright banned, overt public celebrations are largely deterred by the CCP Instead, they urge celebration of traditional Chinese holidays and festivals, viewing Christmas as Western interference in the Chinese way of life. In a global order where the U.S. and China are often clashing, even the idea ofChristmas celebration is a point of contention, as for China, rejecting the holiday reduces American cultural hegemony and strengthens Chinese national identity.

Festive diplomacy and conflict:

Christmas is often associated with peace and tranquility, a time of the year when friends and family come and enjoy the remainder of the year together. Paradoxically, this can also occur within the geopolitical realm. Many world leaders conduct Christmas speeches, calling for peace and highlighting humanitarian disasters. More often than not, these speeches are sincere, but there is a certain strategic aspect to it, delivering them at a symbolic time of year to increase emotional impact and effectiveness. The most famous example of Christmas playing a harmonizing role in geopolitics is the Christmas Truce in 1914, when conflict on the Western Front ceased and belligerents temporarily lay down their arms. It highlighted how culture at an individual level can often be at odds with state-driven warfare. In modern warfare, Christmas ceasefires may be suggested but are often rejected. Truces can be interpreted as empathetic, which in turn weakens military discipline and suggests

weakness. In fact, in conflicts where religion is a major factor, Christmas can be a time of increased intensity rather than a time of peace, for the purpose of maximising emotional and symbolic impact. The absence of Christmas celebrations in war-torn regions that would normally celebrate the holiday during peacetime ultimately highlights global inequality: who has the privilege to celebrate with their family and live in peace, and who does not.

Conclusion:

In sum, Christmas is not inherently geopolitical, but as with many topics, it can be framed within a geopolitical context. Any global tradition involving a multitude of states cannot exist outside the realm of power. Yes, it is true that Christmas can be a common tradition that unites people across borders, but even a holiday with peaceful and wholesome values can be divisive and exclusive. Its meaning has been shaped by religion, expansionist empires, and even economic systems. Therefore, there is a dualistic nature to Christmas. It can highlight the best of humanity, kindness, empathy, and peace, but also underscores the fragility of these traits. This fragility is largely caused by the geopolitical structures in place, which ultimately determine who can celebrate freely, and who suffers during a holiday associated with peace and harmony.