India finds itself at a turning point in the dynamic international political scene, where it is perceived from a distance as either a failing democracy or a rising global power. It is crucial that we closely examine international political trends and comprehend any potential effects on India as we negotiate these shifting dynamics. Our goal in this fortnightly piece is to connect the dots in an increasingly globalised world by highlighting recent developments in the West and Britain that India should be aware of and potentially learn from.
“The genie is out of the bottle,” declared Dutch politician Geert Wilders last week in response to his hard-right, anti-immigrant party’s unexpected win in the country. The Netherlands’ robust and stable democracy, which has historically shunned political extremism, raises suspicions when the populist right gains traction, even though it may not be a worldwide barometer of political trends.
The Netherlands is hardly the only country where right-wing populism is on the rise. Another right-wing populist with an odd haircut, Javier Milei, emerged victorious in an unexpected election to take office as president of Argentina. This pattern is part of a global phenomenon where voters are gravitating towards populist politicians who demonstrate a strong mistrust of the institutions that support liberal democracy.
There are historical similarities between this shift towards populism and the early 1930s. It is characterised by scepticism towards free and fair elections, an unconstrained media, religious tolerance, and political pluralism. In Brazil, leftist Lula da Silva defeated hard-right Jair Bolsonaro, while the centre-left still holds sway in Germany and the US. After 14 years in opposition, the social democratic Labour Party in Britain is in a position to potentially make a comeback.
Even though Geert Wilders is unlikely to become prime minister, his stunning electoral victory highlights the emergence of radical ideology in mainstream politics. His anti-Muslim and intolerable policies, like his ban on mosques and the Quran and his zero-net immigration policy, reveal a concerning degree of Islamophobia. The populist right is growing in strength throughout Europe, with leaders such as Georgia Melon, the prime minister of Italy, being linked to right-wing parties that revive Italian fascism.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has grown into a serious electoral candidate in Germany, and right-wing populism is becoming more and more prevalent in Scandinavia, a region renowned for its political moderation. This trend has a number of root factors, including nationalism, racism, euroskepticism, and worries about how immigration would affect housing and employment. These issues are further compounded by global unrest and economic stagnation.
The recent election in Argentina, which saw Javier Milei emerge victorious, serves as a reminder of the political clout that populism still has in Latin America. It is even more important to pay attention to these developments because of Argentina’s economic woes and the history of unconventional political leaders.
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 made the global influence of populism abundantly clear by giving populist movements a global boost. The far-right is likely to pick up steam as his potential return to power approaches. Once let loose, the genie of extreme nationalism, racism, protectionism, and intolerance threatens any country, regardless of its location.
For Indians, watching these changes in the world is more than just a spectator activity. Our global interconnectedness necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of these patterns and their possible ramifications for India. The rise of nationalism, bigotry, and populism must be seen as a stark warning to be vigilant and to defend the values that are the foundation of our democracy. India needs to tread carefully when navigating the global political tides, taking lessons from other countries’ experiences while holding tight to the fundamentals of its democratic culture.
