'Right-wing populist leaders have gained power across world'

KARACHI:

There has been significant debate about the rise of right-wing leaders in the politics of various countries-from India to the USA. Academics who study changing political trends widely acknowledge this shift.

"There's been a sharp trend to the right in the past decade or more. From Modi in India in 2014, to Trump in 2016, and again Trump in the USA just a few weeks ago. From Hungary to the Philippines, all over the world, right-wing populist leaders have gained momentum by pushing back against the effects of globalisation, the increased visibility of women in public life, and multiculturalism," said Dr Thomas Hansen, a distinguished author and professor at Stanford University.

Speaking at the ninth annual Yohsin Lecture at Habib University, Dr Hansen delivered a talk titled 'The Angry Tide: Reflections on Fascism, Resentment, and Authoritarian Dreams.' He stated that: "academics worldwide view these trends as a return to fascism. Let's not forget, fascism was just one manifestation-albeit a particularly violent one-of a much broader range of conservative and nationalist movements and ideologies that have opposed liberal freedoms, democratic principles, equality, and the effects of global capitalism for over a century."

The lecture, attended by students and academics, delved into the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of authoritarianism and fascism.