The global political landscape has undergone a significant transformation in the last two decades that appears unparalleled in its scale and impact. The gaining popularity and influence of the right-wing parties across the continent has surprised many. The rise of these parties, with their promises of economic revival, nationalism, and protectionism, is not just limited to a region, it is rather a global shift that has reshaped democracies everywhere.
The countries which were the powerhouse of the industries were deindustrialized, and the working class is the major victim of it. This economic discontent has acted as a catalyst for rising of the right wing as they assured the return of prosperity, restoration of jobs, policies that would protect local industries from the ill effects of globalization. Donald Trump’s “America First” slogan in the United States has given the voters a ray of hope who felt neglected by years of economic transformation. The leader capitalized on the fear and frustration of those who felt their countries were being left behind in an ever-globalizing world.
But the economy is not the only factor, rather globalization has turned the world into a small global village where the concept of national identity and sovereignty is being challenged. The local people see it as the erosion of local cultural values and national traditional practices as borders are fluid. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party built its platform on a vision of national pride, advocating for policies that would preserve Italian sovereignty in the face of what they saw as intrusive European Union regulations. In India, the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Narendra Modi captured this sentiment perfectly. Modi’s emphasis on Hindu nationalism struck a chord with millions who felt that their culture and way of life were being overshadowed by foreign influences.
Immigration has become another hotspot. The increasing regional conflicts, economic challenges, environmental changes have led to the movement of people across borders which had led to the tensions among nations; it has also disturbed the peace and security of the country. The right-wing parties have leveraged this anxiety. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surged in popularity as the 2015 refugee crisis unfolded. The thousands of refugees landing on the shores of Europe has sparked fear and resentment among the local population, which is acting as a destabilizing force in the countries. In Australia, the government’s hardline stance on immigration, epitomized by its “Stop the Boats” policy, found favor with those who feared that their country’s culture was being overwhelmed by outsiders.
But behind all these issues lay a deeper sense of discontent. The conventional political elites, who had held power for decades but had fallen short of their promises, are being resented by the populace. The political establishment, it seemed, had become disassociated with the everyday struggles of the people. This disillusionment has brought a desire for something different, for someone who was not part of the system, someone who could upend everything. Trump, as an outsider form the current political system, embodied this need for a break from the establishment. His victory in 2016 was a stunning rejection of the political status quo. In Brazil, Bolsonaro was able to capitalize on a similar wave of discontent, presenting himself as a man of the people, someone who would challenge the corrupt political class. Even in Japan, where the Liberal Democratic Party had long held power, there was a desire for stronger leadership, particularly in matters of national security, which right-wing leaders were quick to promise.
Social media became a potent instrument for right-wing movements as traditional media lost its clout. Social media sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter made it possible for political messaging to reach people directly and get past the conventional news gatekeepers. One of Trump’s most successful strategies for reaching his supporters in the US was his frequent usage of Twitter. His tweets could set the news agenda, speak directly to his supporters, and avoid the scrutiny of the mainstream media. In India, the BJP’s calculated use of Facebook and WhatsApp to disseminate its message contributed to the development of a virtual echo chamber that amplified and reinforced political viewpoints. Right-wing leaders used social media as a platform to share their worldview, which frequently focused on identity, sovereignty and security of the nation.
Despite all these considerations, the issue of law and order emerged as a central theme in the right-wing rhetoric. Right wing leaders positioned themselves as the defender of crime, terrorism, and regional instability in the times of rising crisis around the world. Bolsonaro’s campaign in Brazil, emphasized on the firm stance against crime and stiffer punishments for the offenders. In Italy, Meloni’s party emphasized the need for stronger borders and security measures to protect the Italian way of life. To combat the regional challenges the right-wing leaders of Japan demanded an increased military spending. The promise to defend residents from threats both inside and beyond the country made security, in all its manifestations, a slogan for right-wing movements.
As the political right gained ground in countries across the globe, the implications were far-reaching. In some nations, right-wing leadership brought stability, but in others, it sparked division and political polarization. Nationalism and protectionism began to strain international relations, while immigration policies created social tensions and sparked debates about cultural identity. Economically, protectionist measures yielded mixed results. While some countries saw short-term gains, the long-term effects were often less clear, as the world became more interconnected and dependent on global trade. Socially, the rise of nationalism led to a growing sense of division, often pitting groups against one another along ethnic, cultural, and religious lines.
In the end, the global rise of right-wing politics is not just a passing trend but a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of global political dynamics. It is a response to a rapidly changing world, where economic, cultural, and political uncertainties have left many searching for something they feel is missing. Whether this shift leads to a more stable world or one fraught with division and conflict remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the political landscape has been irrevocably altered, and the rise of the right is a story that is still unfolding, with consequences that will shape the future of democracies around the globe.
