Are the 2024 Victories of Left Leaning Parties a Glimmer of Hope for Globalization and Climate Action?
Is the resurgence of the left parties in UK and France an indicator of the decline of anti-immigrant, anti-globalization right wing domination in Europe? Or are we reading too much between the lines. The elections to European Parliament threw up contrary results after all? And, is there a subtle messages for the Democrats in the United States?
GLOBALIZATIONCLIMATE ACTIONIMMIGRATIONRIGHT WING POLITICSENVIRONMENTECONOMICSPOLITICS INEQUALITY
Indrajeet Yadav
7/10/20248 min read
The Syrian Refugee Crisis of 2015
In 2015, the world witnessed one of the most significant humanitarian crises of the 21st century. The Syrian civil war forced millions to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Europe. This influx of refugees tested the European Union's solidarity and compassion, exposing deep-seated divisions within and between member states. The crisis became a pivotal moment in global politics, highlighting the urgent need for cooperative international efforts and a unified approach to humanitarian aid and climate action.
Images of overcrowded boats, desperate families, and perilous journeys dominated global news. The refugee crisis not only challenged the logistical capabilities of European nations but also brought to the forefront questions of human rights, asylum policies, and international responsibility. The EU's initial response varied widely, with countries like Germany opening their doors, while others, such as Hungary, erected barriers. This disparity in response underscored a growing divide within the EU, one that right-wing parties would later exploit to their advantage.
The Brexit Shockwave and Trump's Triumph in 2016
As Europe grappled with the refugee crisis, another political upheaval was brewing. In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, a decision that sent shockwaves across the continent. The Brexit referendum, driven by nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments, marked a significant retreat from globalization. Just months later, in November 2016, Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, riding a wave of populism and promising to put "America First." His victory emboldened right-wing movements across Europe and beyond, further threatening the global liberal order.
Brexit represented a seismic shift in European politics. For decades, the EU had been a symbol of post-war unity and cooperation, a bulwark against the forces of nationalism that had plunged the continent into conflict in the first half of the 20th century. Brexit shattered this image, suggesting that the EU was not an irreversible project and that the centrifugal forces of nationalism were stronger than many had assumed.
In the United States, Donald Trump's victory marked the culmination of a campaign that had defied political norms and exploited deep-seated anxieties about immigration, economic change, and cultural identity. Trump's election represented a repudiation of the liberal internationalist consensus that had dominated U.S. foreign policy since the end of World War II. His administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and other international commitments signaled a retreat from multilateralism at a time when global cooperation was more critical than ever.
Why Blame the Migrants?
Globalization has deepened economic inequality in the developed world. And because politics is mostly based on national issues, inequality inside countries has far reaching ramifications. The ones most hit by globalisation, hit back via BREXIT and Trump victory, sending shivers across the world in the process. But hey, our entrenched mindsets were no less responsible for the shock waves. Open your mind and you can deal with them. For a start at least.
Thomas Homer-Dixon, author of the 2006 book The Upside of Down, names BREXIT, Trump victory, 2008 global economic meltdown, and the ISIS’ meteoric surge as symptoms of an impending social collapse. University of Maryland systems scientist Safa Motesharrei’s research reveals how ecological imbalance and economic disparities trigger such declines.
Scared and frustrated people cling to identities – racial, religious, national etc. Ganging up creates a sense of security and boosts bargaining power. And bargaining power is pivotal in the mad tussle over scarce resources – the root cause of such fracas. Petrified ‘gangsters’ try to exclude all outsiders. Rising inequality is enough to terrorize people into such groups.
Bipin Chandra et al. in India’s Struggle for Independence state that economic stagnation and the consequent cutthroat competition for jobs and business created anti-Semitism, Fascism, Catholic-Protestant clashes in Northern Ireland, racism, Christian-Muslim conflict in Lebanon, and communal strife in India. Again, the answer lies in getting out of the ‘us versus they’ psyche.
The Rise of Right-Wing Parties in Europe
Following Brexit and Trump's victory, right-wing parties gained momentum across Europe. In countries like Hungary, Poland, and Italy, populist leaders capitalized on fears of immigration, economic insecurity, and cultural change. This surge of nationalism and protectionism hindered international cooperation on crucial issues like climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, faced setbacks as countries prioritized national interests over global commitments. The political landscape seemed increasingly fragmented, and the prospects for a united global front on climate action and humanitarian efforts appeared bleak.
In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government took a hardline stance on immigration, erecting fences along the country's borders and pushing a narrative of national sovereignty and cultural purity. Poland saw the rise of the Law and Justice Party, which similarly adopted anti-immigrant and Eurosceptic positions. In Italy, the Five Star Movement and the League formed a coalition government that challenged EU norms and promoted nationalist policies.
These developments were part of a broader pattern of deglobalization. The right-wing surge reflected a backlash against the economic dislocations and cultural changes brought about by globalization. Many voters felt left behind by the forces of economic integration and technological change, and populist leaders offered them simple solutions: erect barriers, reclaim sovereignty, and prioritize national interests.
A Turning Point: Joe Biden's Victory in 2020
The 2020 U.S. presidential election marked a significant shift. Joe Biden's victory brought renewed hope for international cooperation and climate action. Biden's administration rejoined the Paris Agreement, emphasized multilateralism, and pledged significant investments in green energy. This shift in U.S. policy signaled a potential reversal of the isolationist trends that had characterized the previous four years. However, the task of rebuilding global alliances and addressing climate change remained daunting.
Biden's election was seen by many as a repudiation of the divisive and isolationist policies of the Trump era. His administration moved quickly to restore U.S. leadership on the global stage, re-engaging with allies and recommitting to international agreements. The rejoining of the Paris Agreement was a symbolic and practical step towards reasserting U.S. commitment to global climate action.
Biden's climate agenda focused on ambitious goals: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, investing in renewable energy, and promoting environmental justice. Domestically, his administration faced significant challenges, including opposition from fossil fuel interests and political divisions in Congress. Internationally, the Biden administration worked to rebuild trust and cooperation with other countries, emphasizing the need for a collective response to the climate crisis.
The 2024 Electoral Victories of Left-Leaning Parties
The Labour Party in the UK
In 2024, the UK witnessed a political transformation with the Labour Party's victory. After years of Conservative rule, marked by austerity measures and Brexit-related uncertainties, voters opted for a change. The Labour Party, under its new leadership, promised to restore the UK's commitment to international cooperation, social justice, and climate action. This victory was seen as a rejection of the divisive politics of the past and a step towards a more inclusive and forward-looking future.
The Labour Party's platform focused on reversing the economic and social impacts of austerity, investing in public services, and addressing inequality. On the international stage, the new government pledged to re-engage with the EU, seek cooperative solutions to global challenges, and champion climate action. Labour's victory was a clear signal that a significant portion of the UK electorate desired a departure from the inward-looking policies of the past decade.
Labour's climate policies included ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting green jobs. The party also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, recognizing that the climate crisis required a global response. By aligning the UK with the broader European and global climate efforts, Labour aimed to position the country as a leader in the fight against climate change.
The NFP in France
Simultaneously, in France, the National Front for Progress (NFP) achieved a historic win. The NFP, a coalition of left-leaning parties, campaigned on a platform of social equity, environmental sustainability, and European solidarity. Their victory represented a significant shift in French politics, moving away from the populist and right-wing narratives that had dominated in recent years. The NFP's success was a clear mandate for progressive policies and a commitment to addressing both national and global challenges.
The NFP's platform focused on addressing economic inequality, enhancing social protections, and promoting sustainable development. The coalition's commitment to environmental sustainability included ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, and protecting natural resources. The NFP also emphasized the importance of European solidarity, advocating for stronger cooperation within the EU on issues such as climate change, migration, and economic recovery.
The coalition's victory was a significant repudiation of the far-right National Rally, which had gained substantial support in previous elections. The NFP's success highlighted a renewed commitment to progressive values and a rejection of the divisive and exclusionary politics of the far-right. For France, this was a moment of potential transformation, with the new government poised to lead on issues of social justice, environmental sustainability, and European cooperation.
Globalization and Climate Action: A Renewed Hope
The victories of left-leaning parties in the UK and France offer a glimmer of hope for globalization and climate action. These governments are expected to prioritize international cooperation, re-engage with multilateral institutions, and implement ambitious climate policies. Their leadership can potentially reinvigorate the global fight against climate change, which has been undermined by years of nationalist and isolationist policies.
In both the UK and France, the new governments have committed to working closely with international partners to address the climate crisis. This includes rejoining and strengthening international agreements, investing in green technologies, and promoting sustainable development. The emphasis on social equity and environmental sustainability reflects a recognition that climate action must be inclusive and just, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and ensuring a fair transition to a green economy.
The Importance of Unity in France
For the NFP in France, unity is crucial. The coalition of left-leaning parties must remain cohesive to implement their progressive agenda effectively. Fragmentation could lead to a resurgence of right-wing forces, undoing the gains achieved in the 2024 elections. Maintaining unity will be essential to ensure long-term stability and progress.
The NFP's ability to stay united will depend on its capacity to manage internal differences and present a coherent vision to the electorate. This includes addressing economic challenges, ensuring social protections, and advancing environmental goals. The coalition must also be responsive to the concerns of its diverse constituencies, building broad-based support for its policies.
Unity will be particularly important in the face of potential challenges from the far-right. The National Rally and other right-wing forces will likely seek to exploit any divisions within the NFP, promoting narratives of instability and inefficacy. By maintaining unity and demonstrating effective governance, the NFP can counter these efforts and build a resilient and progressive political movement.
The Case for Biden's Withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race
As the world looks ahead, the question of leadership remains pivotal. While Joe Biden's presidency marked a positive turn for international cooperation and climate action, some argue that it might be time for him to step aside in the 2024 presidential race. A new leader could bring fresh energy and ideas to the table, further strengthening the global effort against climate change and promoting a more inclusive and equitable international order.
Biden's administration has made significant strides in reversing the isolationist policies of the previous administration and recommitting the U.S. to global leadership. However, the challenges of addressing climate change, economic inequality, and social justice require sustained and innovative leadership. A new candidate could build on Biden's legacy while bringing a renewed focus and vigor to the presidency.
The potential for a new leader to galvanize public support and drive progressive policies is significant. A fresh face could also help to bridge political divides, engaging younger voters and marginalized communities. By stepping aside, Biden could pave the way for a new generation of leadership committed to building a more just, sustainable, and cooperative world.
Conclusion
The 2024 electoral victories of left-leaning parties in the UK and France are a beacon of hope in a world grappling with multiple crises. These political shifts underscore the potential for renewed international cooperation and a reinvigorated commitment to climate action. However, the path ahead requires sustained unity, innovative leadership, and an unwavering dedication to global solidarity. The decisions made in the coming years will shape the future of our planet and the well-being of generations to come.
#Globalization #ClimateAction #LeftLeaningVictory #LabourParty #NFP #2024Elections #Unity #Leadership
References
“I have a feeling . . . in a few years, people are going to be doing what they always do when the economy tanks . . . they’d be blaming the immigrants and the poor people.”
Mark Baum, a character in the 2015 film The Big Short