From the Margins to Mainstream: How Far-Right Politics Shapes the West

Shaping the Political Landscape: The Far-Right’s Ascent

For decades, Western democracies celebrated enlightenment ideals like liberty, equality, and reason. However, today, the political narrative is shifting as once fringe ideas of nativism, ethno-nationalism, and strict law and order policies capture the spotlight, redefining prime-time debates. This phenomenon reflects a slow but steady normalization, testing the resilience of democracies that once championed tolerance and inclusion.

Recasting the Political Centre

Across Europe, this trend is manifesting in surprising electoral victories. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, France’s Marine Le Pen, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are just a few examples where far-right actors have transitioned from protest movements to significant political influencers. In the Nordics, Spain, and Portugal, rightist parties now play pivotal roles in shaping policy. As mainstream conservatives echo these hard-right positions, the political centre is shifting rightward, altering the socio-political landscape in fundamental ways.

The American Experience: Administrative Power Shifts

In the United States, the far-right drift has become an administrative reality under President Donald Trump’s second term, with sweeping policy changes and ideological agendas now under implementation. Policies such as new birthright citizenship criteria, H-1B visa expenses, and political control over governmental posts highlight this ideological shift. These strategies are reshaping the Republican Party’s core beliefs, further influencing the national dialogue and public opinion.

Pursuing a Democratic Response

To counter this shift, a sober response is crucial. Democracies must address economic and safety grievances without vilifying migrants and minorities. Maintaining a firewall against extremist collaborations, demanding accountability from media and tech platforms, and fostering civic courage among citizens and institutions are vital. These steps will uphold the integrity of democratic values and social cohesion.

Implications for India: Navigating Global Shifts

For India, these shifts present tangible implications. The hardening attitudes towards migration and identity in Europe and the U.S. can affect visa policies, student, and skilled worker flows. Furthermore, the rise of grievance-driven politics could hinder the diaspora’s safety and social cohesion, potentially impacting long-standing international relationships and economic opportunities.

Learning from History: Guarding Against Regression

Chaotic times call for mindful resistance. Lessons from the 1930s show how societies can forsake liberal norms under demagoguery’s appeal. To avoid repeating history, present-day democracies must defend equality, pluralism, and reason against fear-driven policies. Upholding these core values ensures that the world’s democracies remain resilient, adaptable, and strong.

Abhishek Roy Choudhury’s insights remind us of the enduring principles that should guide the trans-Atlantic world toward a future that stays true to its professed values and diverse heritage. According to The Hindu, his analysis highlights the critical need for vigilance and proactive governance in these turbulent times.