The rise of far-right parties reflects widespread resentment of traditional political systems & growing resentment about cultural identity & economic stability
Tejeswar Patnaik
The rise of far-right parties has become a defining political trend in recent years, reshaping the global political landscape. From Europe to the United States, and even in countries like India, the growing influence of far-right ideologies has sparked debates about nationalism, populism, and the future of liberal democracy. These parties thrive on economic discontent, cultural identity, and anti-immigration rhetoric, appealing to disillusioned voters. While they promise to prioritize national interests and reclaim lost identities, their rise carries profound consequences for global politics, social cohesion, and economic stability.
The rise of far-right parties and the increasing influence of their right-wing politics is increasingly visible in the globalized world. India, too, has witnessed the spectacular rise of right-wing parties over the last decade, aligning with global trends.
A cursory glance at European nations reveals a resurgence of far-right parties, characterized by populism, conservatism, neo-fascism, and ultra-nationalism. Last year, far-right parties made significant gains in European parliamentary elections. Their growing popularity among voters has sparked intense debates among political analysts. Approximately 51% of voters across 26 EU nations cast their ballots for right-wing and far-right parties, thereby eroding the traditional support base of leftist and liberal parties.
European Parliament
The European Parliament, which represents 27 member nations of the European Union, now includes a stronger contingent of far-right representatives. This shift reflects a growing inclination among voters towards populism, fueled by a waning faith in the institutions of liberal democracy. Countries such as France, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Croatia, and Italy have seen a clear shift towards the extreme right in national elections, with left-leaning parties increasingly losing their foothold.
This trend in Europe is also found in the United States, where Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 marked a significant departure from established political traditions. During his presidency, Trump fostered ties with leaders of countries governed by far-right parties, including Italy, Hungary, and Brazil, demonstrating a shared ideological alignment. His administration emphasized themes of nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and protectionism, which resonated with voters disillusioned with the status quo.
The rise of far-right parties can be attributed to multiple factors:
High unemployment rates, economic instability, and unequal opportunities have led to frustration among native populations. Far-right parties take advantage of this discontent, offering solutions framed around prioritizing the ‘native’ population over immigrants and minorities.
Many far-right leaders claim that immigrants threaten the cultural identity and values of the native population. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, 58% of Europeans believed immigration threatened their culture. This sentiment has fueled anti-immigration rhetoric across Europe and the United States.
Opposition to Immigration
Traditional political parties have often failed to address socio-economic problems and cultural ethos creating a space that far-right parties have grabbed by offering populist and nationalist narratives. Socio-economic challenges and fears of job competition have intensified opposition to immigration, particularly from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This sentiment was a key issue in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and continues to shape immigration policies globally.
The rise of far-right ideologies has led to a gradual erosion of democratic norms, including press freedom, judicial independence, and minority rights. Far-right leaders often challenge the checks and balances that undermine democratic systems.
Anti-immigrant policies, including restrictive visa programs and closed borders, hinder the movement of talent and labor, reducing innovation and economic growth. For example, debates over H-1B visas in the U.S. have impacted highly skilled workers as Multinational companies depend on global talent.
Far-right parties often advocate for protectionist economic policies, which can disrupt global trade networks, and exacerbate tensions between nations. These policies can slow economic progress in an increasingly interconnected world. The divisive rhetoric of far-right parties creates divisions in society fostering extreme nationalism and hostility towards minority groups. This undermines democratic functioning, and social cohesion and fuels conflict within nations.
India Impacted
India has been impacted by these global happenings. Anti-immigration rhetoric, combined with rising ultra-nationalism, has major implications for the country. Restrictive immigration policies could affect India’s diaspora, which contributes substantially to remittances and international trade.
The rise of far-right parties reflects widespread resentment of traditional political systems and growing resentment about cultural identity and economic stability. While these parties provide a voice to disillusioned voters, their policies often carry risks of economic stagnation, social division, and the erosion of democratic values impacting multiculturalism. The way forward is to address the root causes of this trend such as economic inequality and fear of loss of cultural identity —which remains key to fostering inclusive and resilient democracies worldwide.
(The writer is a former Dy General Manager of Bank of India. Views expressed are personal.)
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