WEST’S CIVIL WARS: POLITICS OF LOST JOBS AND OPEN BORDERS

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Context

The West’s internal “civil wars” reveal how economic dislocation and identity fears can destabilize democracies and reshape global power dynamics.

Why is the West witnessing a “civil war” in politics?

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.

How Has Globalization Created Winners and Losers in the West?

Globalization connects the world through trade, technology, and movement. But not everyone benefits equally:

• Winners: People in big cities like London or New York, working in tech or finance, get rich from global trade. They enjoy open markets and travel.
• Losers: Workers in “rust belt” areas, like the US Midwest or northern England, lost jobs when factories moved to cheaper countries or machines took over. Their wages stay low.
• Growing Gap: The rich get richer, while poor areas feel ignored. This makes people angry at globalization’s unfair benefits.
• Immigration Stress: Low-skill workers from other countries compete for jobs and use public services like schools or hospitals, discomfits locals.

Why Is Immigration a Big Issue in Western Politics?

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.

How Does This “Civil War” Affect the World?

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.

What Can India Learn from This?

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.

Conclusion

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