Is this the end of the liberal order?

The rise of right-wing politics globally, particularly in the wake of recent developments such as the Munich speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Elon Musk’s support for the far-right AfD party, and the shifting dynamics between Trump and Putin, signals the decline of traditional bipartisan politics in Western countries. This is seen as a potential reordering of international politics with significant implications for the liberal world order.

The Nature of Right-Wing Politics

• Resurgence of Neo-Nationalism: Post-World War II politics in Western Europe was dominated by a bipartisan consensus on free-market economy and American hegemony. However, neo-nationalist parties have now gained popularity, challenging the status quo.
• Contrarian Positions: These far-right groups do not adhere to a single ideology. Instead, they focus on challenging conventional political norms, with a blend of nationalist, anti-globalization, and revisionist stances.
• Discontent with Globalization: Economic inequality and rising insecurity in the wake of neoliberalism have contributed to the success of these parties, as people express frustration with the inability of traditional politics to offer solutions.

Global Political Shifts and Transatlantic Consensus

• Collapse of Transatlantic Consensus: The rise of right-wing politics is contributing to the breakdown of long-standing transatlantic agreements like NATO, as illustrated by Trump and Putin's phone call and the European panic.
• European Reaction: In response, European leaders are considering alternative security frameworks, as seen in the recent meetings between Macron, Starmer, and others, signaling a shift away from traditional U.S.-led security arrangements.
• Erosion of the Liberal International Order: This ideological shift reflects the weakening of the liberal international order, which has traditionally championed free markets and democracy, signaling an irreversible structural decline.

Future of International Politics and Global Alliances

• Lack of a Unified Right-Wing Vision: Unlike liberal or Marxist ideologies, right-wing movements lack a universal vision for global politics and focus on nationalism, which limits their ability to form cohesive, long-term international alliances.
• Tactical Alliances Over Global Solidarity: Right-wing groups may form temporary alliances based on shared interests but are fundamentally opposed to broader international cooperation, as their politics emphasizes national sovereignty.
• Emergence of Parallel Orders: The absence of a universal ethical framework for international relations could lead to a world marked by competing spheres of influence and disorder, with potential opportunities for rethinking global politics and forging new universalism.

Practice Question:

Q. Analyze the rise of neo-nationalist right-wing politics in Western countries. How do these developments signal a decline in the liberal international order and what implications might this have for global political alliances?