Syllabus Mapping:
Mains-GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Introduction: The Context of the Article
The article discusses how multiple authoritarian leaders and right-wing populists are working in tandem to dismantle the current global order based on democratic values and international cooperation. The push for a multipolar world is being hijacked by illiberal regimes that advocate nationalism, xenophobia, and an erosion of human rights. The author presents this shift as a global trend where democratic norms are under threat from figures like:
• Donald Trump (USA) – Isolationist policies, anti-immigration stance, attack on democratic institutions.
• Vladimir Putin (Russia) – Expansionist policies, invasion of Ukraine, undermining NATO.
• Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel) – Policies in Gaza, rejection of international legal norms.
• Viktor Orbán (Hungary) – Anti-immigration, suppression of opposition, weakening the European Union.
• Xi Jinping (China) – Expansionism in the South China Sea, influence through Belt & Road Initiative.
These leaders, despite ideological differences, share a common goal – weakening democratic global institutions and replacing them with authoritarian power structures.
Historical Background
A. Cold War and the Unipolar World Order
• After World War II, the world was divided into a bipolar world order, led by the USA and the USSR.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a unipolar world dominated by the USA, with:
o NATO expanding influence in Eastern Europe.
o The UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO playing key roles in shaping global governance.
o The spread of liberal democracy and free markets under American leadership.
B. The Shift Towards Multipolarity
• With China’s rise as an economic power, Russia’s resurgence, and Western internal challenges (Trump, Brexit, economic slowdown, etc.), the world is shifting towards a multipolar order.
• Putin, Xi, and other illiberal leaders argue that the West’s dominance is unjust and that power should be redistributed.
C. John Mearsheimer’s Realist Perspective
• American scholar John Mearsheimer argues that great powers naturally engage in power struggles, and the U.S. provoked Russia by expanding NATO.
• According to him, Ukraine should have remained a neutral buffer state rather than aligning with the West.
However, critics argue that justifying Russian aggression under realism ignores Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.
The Significance of the Issue
A. Rise of the “Illiberal International”
• Instead of a multipolar world based on cooperation, an “illiberal international” movement is emerging, where:
o Strongmen leaders prioritize nationalism over global cooperation.
o International institutions like the UN, ICC, and WTO are being undermined.
o Media and social networks are weaponized for populist narratives.
o Human rights violations are ignored in the name of sovereignty.
B. Destabilization of Democratic Systems
• Trump and the Far-Right Influence:
o Trumpism promotes isolationism, protectionism, and weakening alliances like NATO.
o He praised Putin, Orbán, and Netanyahu, showing an ideological shift in the U.S.
o Trump’s influence extends to far-right leaders in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
• Putin and the Russia-China Axis:
o Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is part of a larger ambition to weaken NATO and Western unity.
o China supports Russia indirectly, while also expanding its influence in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
• Netanyahu and the Middle East Conflict:
o Israel’s aggressive policies in Gaza and rejection of the ICC undermine global legal frameworks.
o The West’s inconsistent stance on human rights (Ukraine vs. Palestine) weakens global democracy.
C. Implications for Global Stability
1. Weakening of International Institutions – The ICC and UN are being ignored by powerful nations.
2. Increasing Conflicts & Proxy Wars – Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan, and Africa are battlegrounds for great-power rivalry.
3. Erosion of Human Rights & Democratic Norms – The growing influence of populist authoritarian leaders threatens fundamental freedoms.
Challenges in the Multipolar World Order
A. Geopolitical Challenges
• Weakening of Western Alliances: European divisions (Hungary, Brexit) reduce the West’s ability to counter authoritarianism.
• Rise of China & Russia: Their strategic partnership challenges U.S. dominance.
• Middle East Conflicts: U.S.-Israel vs. Iran-Russia-China alliances complicate global peace efforts.
B. Economic Challenges
• Sanctions and Economic Warfare: Western sanctions on Russia and China’s economic retaliation through BRICS, Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) create new trade blocs.
• Fragmentation of Global Trade: The shift from globalization to regional economic alliances (EU, RCEP, BRICS) is reshaping global commerce.
C. Social and Political Challenges
• Rise of Populism: Leaders use anti-immigration, anti-globalization rhetoric to gain support.
• Disinformation & Cyber Warfare: Russia, China, and the West engage in information warfare.
• Erosion of Rule-Based Order: Ignoring UN mandates weakens global legal frameworks.
India’s Role & Way Forward
A. India’s Foreign Policy Challenges
1. Balancing Relations with the U.S. and Russia: India must maintain strategic autonomy.
2. Engagement in Multilateral Institutions: India should strengthen QUAD, BRICS, G20 for a balanced global role.
3. Tackling Authoritarian Influence: India must champion democracy while safeguarding its sovereignty.
B. Strengthening Global Democracy
• Revitalizing the UN & ICC: Push for reforms to make global institutions more accountable.
• Countering Cyber & Information Warfare: Strengthening cybersecurity & media literacy to combat disinformation.
• Promoting Economic Independence: Developing a self-reliant economy to reduce dependence on China and the West.
