US President Donald Trump delivered a sharp nationalist message at the UN and assailed “globalists” on Tuesday.

“If you want freedom, hold on to your sovereignty, and if you want peace, love your nation,” Trump said, as he called for stronger borders and new controls on migration. “The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots. The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations.”

The UN was founded in large measure to foster global cooperation and understanding in the wake of the nationalist fervour that had plunged the globe into World War II.

Trump’s speech reaffirmed his belief in the ideas of nationalism and sovereignty that have fuelled the rise of populist leaders across the world.

At an organisation that has often championed the plight of refugees and migrants, Trump offered a firm defence of strong borders.

“Each of you has the absolute right to protect your borders. And so, of course, does our country,” Trump said.