humans
November 2024
In recent years, democratic nations across the world have witnessed a rise in political extremism. As people become frustrated with the centre-left and centre-right parties that have traditionally held power, they are increasingly gravitating toward extreme ends of the political spectrum. This trend is not just a shift in preference; it’s a response to deep-rooted disillusionment. People who feel ignored by mainstream politics or marginalised by economic conditions are turning to more radical ideologies for answers, hoping for immediate and simple solutions to complex problems. If we fail to recognise and respond to this, it could have hugely destabilising consequences for democracy, economic stability, and international peace.
The lure of the extremes stems in part from a long-standing perception that centrist governments have failed to address economic inequality and social injustices. Many of these issues can be traced back to the 2008 financial crisis, which resulted in austerity policies that cut public services and welfare programs while bailing out large corporations and banks – not one person faced criminal charges. Ordinary people bore the brunt of these policies, and although the crisis may have passed for some, its effects linger like a persistent poverty hangover for those who were already on the edge. Stagnant wages, zero-hours jobs, and a cost-of-living crisis have left many feeling abandoned by the very institutions that are meant to protect them. The social contract has been broken. Ripped to shreds by those who were supposed to safeguard it.
This sense of abandonment has driven people toward political extremes that promise drastic change. Right-wing populism has thrived by channelling anger towards immigrants, minority groups, and international organisations, offering a narrative of us versus them to explain why conditions are difficult for many. Left-wing extremism, though less prevalent, also appeals to people’s frustration with economic inequality, advocating for radical redistribution of wealth and state control over industries. Both extremes offer quick fixes and bold rhetoric, but they come at a cost to democratic values, often undermining civil liberties and creating divisions within society.
If these political trends continue, the implications could be troubling on a global scale. Democracies worldwide are seeing more leaders who dismiss democratic norms, limit free speech, and stifle dissent. Autocratic leaders often gain support by promising to restore a sense of national pride or stability, even if it means sacrificing civil liberties. However, as history shows, these leaders erode democratic institutions from within, consolidating power in ways that make it difficult for democratic processes to function – Project 2025 serves as a stark reminder. Once these shifts take hold, it is hard to reverse them. International organisations like the EU, NATO, and the UN – which rely on cooperation and shared values — become less effective in a world where member states are increasingly led by leaders who dismiss these principles.
The rise of extreme political ideologies also poses a threat to international peace and stability. For instance, right-wing leaders who promote nationalist policies often engage in protectionist economic strategies, such as trade tariffs, that strain international relations. In a world where countries are economically intertwined, such policies can lead to trade wars that harm economies globally, especially for smaller or developing nations that rely on open markets or those that sever trading relations with their closest neighbour. Nationalist leaders take an aggressive stance on foreign policy issues, leading to escalating tensions and, potentially, conflict. As the world faces challenges such as climate change, global health crises, and economic instability, the need for cooperation between countries has never been greater. Yet, the political polarisation sweeping across democratic nations makes cooperation increasingly unlikely.
So, what can be done to address this trend toward political extremism? The first step is for centrist and moderate parties to recognise that ignoring the root causes of public frustration will only deepen disenchantment. People need to feel that their concerns are heard and that their needs are prioritised in national policies. Economic inequality, job insecurity, affordable housing, and the cost of essential services are issues that directly impact people’s lives. By addressing these concerns meaningfully, moderate political forces can begin to rebuild trust with the public.
There is also a need for transparent and effective governance that demonstrates accountability. Corruption, inefficiency, and opaque decision-making processes have plagued the UK, eroding trust. By committing to transparency and holding public officials accountable, centrist parties can strengthen their credibility. They must show, rather than just promise, that they can deliver fair and effective governance.
Moreover, centrist leaders need to work towards building resilient communities that can resist divisive rhetoric. This includes investing in education, social inclusion, and promoting media literacy. Education is crucial in helping people understand complex global issues, from the causes of economic inequality to the impacts of climate change, reducing the appeal of simplistic, extremist solutions. Promoting social inclusion means encouraging community building and celebrating diversity, rather than allowing societal divisions to be exploited by populist leaders. Finally, in an era of misinformation, everyone needs to be equipped with critical thinking skills to assess the accuracy of information they come across, whether it’s online or from political leaders or commentators. This is essential in a media landscape where false or misleading narratives spread rapidly and fuel polarisation.
On an international level, democratic nations must support each other and work to address issues like tax evasion, climate change, and global inequality, which contribute to domestic disillusionment with centrist policies. An international coalition that is committed to fairer trade practices, sustainable development, and equitable economic policies could offer real solutions to common grievances, reducing the appeal of nationalist and protectionist movements. Furthermore, international bodies should immediately prioritise the protection of democratic norms, providing support to countries struggling with democratic backsliding.
The political lurch to extremes is a symptom of unresolved issues within democratic systems, and if we fail to address these problems, we risk losing the very foundations of democratic governance. It’s crucial for centrist politics to adapt to the realities of today’s challenges rather than hold onto outdated approaches that no longer resonate. By addressing economic and social inequalities, embracing transparent governance, and promoting global cooperation, centrist leaders have the potential to create a more resilient democratic order. The stakes are high: if these changes do not happen, the appeal of political extremes will only grow, and the global consequences could be severe. Now more than ever, the world needs a reimagined centre that speaks to people’s frustrations and offers real, lasting solutions.