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The West’s internal “civil wars” reveal how economic dislocation and identity fears can destabilize democracies and reshape global power dynamics.
Western countries like the US and Europe are seeing intense political fights, like a “civil war” in ideas and beliefs. People are angry, divided, and distrustful.
Leaders Push Extremes
Politicians provoke strong feelings to win votes. For example, after events like the Charlie Kirk assassination, leaders used harsh words, calling opponents “enemies.” This makes politics feel like a war.
City vs Countryside
Urban areas (big cities) and rural areas (small towns) want different things. Cities like global trade and diversity, while rural areas prefer tradition and local control. Far-right groups, like Germany’s AfD or UK’s Tommy Robinson, copy US movements like MAGA, pushing “us vs them” ideas.
Emotional Divide
People don’t just disagree on policies; they hate each other’s sides. Partisan identities—liberal vs conservative—turn debates into personal battles. News and social media make this worse, by showing only one side’s story.
Economic and Cultural Anger
Factories closing in places like the US Midwest or northern England left many jobless. At the same time, fast changes from immigration make some feel their culture is disappearing. They blame liberals for “betraying” traditional values.
Media Fuels Conflict
TV channels and websites make money by scaring people. They spread fear and anger, making extreme ideas—like violence—seem normal. This breaks the old agreement that democracy should be peaceful.
Globalization connects the world through trade, technology, and movement. But not everyone benefits equally:
Cultural Worries
Some believe immigration, especially from non-Western countries, threatens their “Judeo-Christian” identity. Far-right groups spread ideas like the “Great Replacement,” claiming immigrants will overtake locals.
Economic Pressure
Immigrants often take low-wage jobs, which can lower wages for locals. They also use public services, like healthcare, which strains budgets in countries like the UK or Germany.
Security Fears
After events like 9/11, some link immigration to terrorism. This leads to demands for strict borders, like “Fortress Europe” or mass deportations.
Political Tool
Populists use immigration to scare voters. They paint immigrants as a threat to win support, making it a divisive issue.
Weaker West
The US and Europe look less reliable as leaders when they’re fighting internally. This hurts groups like NATO or G7.
Broken Alliances
Populist leaders focus on their own countries, not global teamwork, slowing progress on trade or climate goals (eg. USA withdraw from the Paris climate agreement)
Rise of Others
As the West struggles, countries like China and India gain influence in groups like BRICS or SCO, shaping global rules.
Global Risks
Divisions in the West make it harder to handle big problems like pandemics, trade wars, or migration, leading to more chaos.
Balance All Sides
India should work with both Western liberals (through Quad) and others (through BRICS/SCO) to stay flexible and protect its interests.
Protect Indians Abroad
As Western populists target immigrants, India must support its diaspora with strong diplomacy to ensure their safety.
Grow Fairly
India should invest in jobs and training to avoid the West’s job-loss anger. Fair growth keeps people united.
Stay United
India’s diverse culture needs open dialogue to avoid divisive fights like those in the West. Protecting diversity keeps the country strong.
Lead Globally
India can shape rules for trade, tech, and AI in global forums, becoming a leader as the West weakens.
Talk to All
India should engage both liberal and populist groups in the West through think tanks and talks, understanding their differences.
Strong Systems
Build fair government and welfare systems to stop leaders from exploiting economic or cultural anger, keeping India stable.
The West’s political “civil wars,” driven by lost jobs, immigration anxieties, and polarization, weaken global leadership and offer India lessons on inclusive growth, pluralism, and strategic autonomy in a fractured world order.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Globalization has led to both economic integration and social fragmentation. Critically analyze. 150 words |
Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries through the movement of goods, services, capital, technology, information, and people across borders.
Advantages include increased economic growth, job creation, cultural exchange, innovation, access to global markets, and international cooperation on issues like environment and security.
Disadvantages include cultural homogenization, increased wealth inequality, environmental degradation, job losses in certain sectors, and greater competition that can harm domestic industries.
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