WhoWhatWhy’s Post

2016 was the year when Western commentators all said that ‘the center can’t hold’ against the populist surge in western democracies. I don’t know which tired metaphor we are going to use about 2024. The fact is that Meloni, Orban, AFD, Le Pen and MAGA could soon be in power, marking an actual sea change in politics. I agree with this essay in FP that we should stop analyzing their style and rhetoric, although it is an important part of their success, and be much more focused on the politics they represent. Which can best be described as majoritarian nationalism, focused on the goal of protecting and empowering the often ethnically defined majority in their country against perceived outsiders. Here, the theory of the great replacement with a core of anti-Muslim sentiments bordering on - sometimes explicitly advocating - racist discrimination- is at the heart of a political project that will challenge the norms of liberal institutions. Because without changing those norms and rules, as the leaders know, the nationalist rearranging of demographics that they seek will not be possible. Facing this challenge begins with seeing it clearly for what it is. Not populist, but majoritarian nationalist, - sometimes empowered with a new tone of moderation and responsibility like with Meloni,- but driven by the same idea of undoing multiculturalism, as a short-cut to solving the social and economic crises of late capitalist society.

'It's dangerous and it's spreading. Liberals need to find a way to stop it.' Indeed, the centre is losing its charm, giving way to both extremes. EU elections are expected to yield a massive surge in right-wing votes in June due to discontent and a fundamental disconnect between the elite in Brussels and those at home. In their cover story this week, The Economist highlights how centrists can overcome this - principally by addressing real concerns people have over migration, economic challenges, security and technological threats, etc. The key to keeping the fringes at bay will be to show that liberal democracy upholds its social contract of addressing the individuals concerns while upholding their freedoms. If they continue to brush off the layman's concerns, the layman will brush them off the podium. https://lnkd.in/efgQGTxY #politcs #euelections2024

In these times of heightened global instability, is Congress prioritizing American interests or party agendas? In Part 3 of the "Call for Independence" series, we look at the impact of Red vs. Blue ideology on the American Dream and how it affects Americas readiness to address global and national crisis. Join us as we examine how partisan politics affects the future of our nation. #Congress #AmericanInterests #Partisanship #AmericanDream #GlobalInstability #RedVsBlue #CallForIndependence #PoliticalIdeology #Bipartisanship #Governance #PublicPolicy #PoliticalEngagement https://lnkd.in/g5mjNuYn

In addition to the weaponization of rhetoric, much of the political tension in American is driven by confused tribalism. Here is a quick PoliSci 101 by Nick Deiuliis, on the confused state of political labeling. https://lnkd.in/gT2n28QS

Is Congress prioritizing American interests or party agendas? Check out Part 3 of the Call for Independence Series and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Around the world, authoritarianism is ascendant and democracy is in decline. A 2022 report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance found that “over the past six years, the number of countries moving toward authoritarianism is more than double the number moving toward democracy” and that nearly half of the 173 countries assessed were “experiencing declines” in at least one metric of democracy. The United States wasn’t impervious to this trend. The report found that America was “moderately backsliding” on its democracy.

It’s easy to dismiss movements like national conservatism as just another populist, far-right, or even extremist faction of conservative parties struggling to redefine themselves. But Angelos Chryssogelos argues it should be taken seriously as the new global paradigm of conservative politics, focussed on national sovereignty and the power of the state to shape culture. https://lnkd.in/dWHVubrQ

An interesting assessment on the historical path the American political system followed to get to today. What do you think of this?

"Poilievre is following a broader populist script, complete with apocalyptic descriptions of society, dubious targets to blame and claims of “I am the only one” who can fix things. Poilievre’s political rise coincides with — and benefits from — an explosion of borderless online disinformation and a discourse increasingly influenced by foreign dark money-funded think tanks agitating to severely weaken the capacity of government to respond to citizens’ needs. These developments are diminishing social solidarity and deepening risks to liberal democracy... Civic and social well-being are intrinsically linked. In the words of 19th-century Canadian politician Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine, “In addition to social equality, we must possess political liberty. Deprived of the latter, we might renounce all hope for the future.” Poilievre’s opposition to policies sustaining and expanding fairness undermines his vociferous championing of “freedom.” So, too, does his legislative record. With 18 months until the next election, it is time to heed the warning signs. While commentators continue analyzing politics as normal, Poilievre is winning praise from some of the world’s most prominent purveyors of disinformation and division. It is a political landscape American essayist Adam Gopnik, who spent his formative years in Montreal, recently referred to as “shocking” and “un-Canadian.” A counter-campaign is urgently required." #canadianpolitics #healthcare #privatization #bioethics #canadiandemocracy #media https://lnkd.in/eCRHj-TR