Populism not defeated

The US election has once again shown the continuing destructive march of populism that thrives on racism and bigotry. Many were surprised by the tremendous support shown by an informed public for Donald Trump. In so doing, the electorate was unmoved by Trump’s disastrous policies and the seeds of hatred and unilateralism he sowed during his tenure.

What are the causes of this baffling decline in norms and values in the US and globally? Could someone imagine the damage a charlatan like Trump would cause to democracy and rule of law, four years ago?

Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal was a manifestation of his mindset that was awfully opposed to multilateralism. The treaty was to keep Iran’s nuclear ambitions in check by providing a mechanism to keep its programme under credible international inspections. The abandonment of multilateralism was more in focus as Trump pulled out from the trans-Pacific trade agreement. The exit from the Paris Climate Agreement was a revolt against all principles of humanity and co-existence. As the damaging and irreversible effects of pollution, melting glaciers, increased carbon emissions and rise in population become more threatening, the world conscience was shaken when Trump decided to withdraw from it too. What was more shocking was how Americans did not react to this monstrosity.

Trump did not stop there. He withdrew the US from WHO when the world was engaged in fighting Covid-19. That was unforgivable. On Trump’s watch, more than 249,000 American lives were lost in the pandemic he continuously ridiculed. At the Mexico border children were separated from their parents. As many as 26 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct; 22 million Americans lost their jobs as the pandemic struck; his ban on Muslims is perhaps the most glaring example of a chief executive’s megalomania. He enacted 191 executive orders during his tenure — another infamous record.

And yet with all these, Trump secured 70 million of the popular vote. What a tragedy!

What does this indicate? Majority of white Americans voted for him, knowing his record, perverted mindset, and bizarre approach to serious domestic and foreign policy issues. Because he spoke their language — ban on immigration, venom against people of colours, unilateralism, bringing American forces home, etc. That is pandering to the emotions and wishes of a dominant voter segment. That is populism which is sweeping the world from Brazil to the US, to India and Pakistan, and to the Philippines.

Democracy and its values are in danger as populism sweeps the planet. Could the world be saved from the onslaught of a wave of ultra-nationalism that inhibits pluralism, democracy’s growth?

The world has become more polarised. Conflicts like in Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and parts of South America are not going to abate anytime soon. The world community is unable to address and resolve these conflicts. Moreover, some big powers have been promoting discord and disunity to serve their own interests, including sale of weapons worth billions to Third World countries, which keeps the armament industry running.

There is a race to acquire more modern and sophisticated weapons in the Middle Eastern countries. The priority for innovation that helps growth of institutions and promotes rule of law is very low. Where are these countries headed? As Toynbee said: “The only lesson mankind has learnt from history is that it has learnt no lesson.” To stop demagogues, populist leaders from marketing their self-centered, half backed theories to innocent audiences, the democratic forces must launch a sustained struggle for supremacy of institutions and rule of law. Concepts like white supremacy would need to be defeated if the mankind is to overcome challenges posed by inequality, carbon emission and unilateralism.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2020.

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