APPSC CARE 17th September 2025 Current Affairs

Why in News?

The growing ideological polarisation in the West, driven by populist nationalism, anti-immigration sentiments, and backlash against liberal-globalist policies.

Introduction

• The recent In recent years, political discourse in the West — particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe — has increasingly adopted the term “civil war” not in its historical context but as a metaphor for the deep and widening societal divisions.
• The growing polarisation within Western societies, driven by sharp ideological divides, anti-immigration sentiments, and a rising populist backlash against liberal-globalist policies.

Historical Context of Western Stability

• Post-World War II, Western democracies entered an era of relative stability due to several key factors:
  • Economic Prosperity
  • Strong Democratic Institutions
  • Welfare Systems
  • Political Representation
• This created a broad consensus accommodating both leftist and rightist forces. However, recent developments indicate the gradual erosion of this consensus, driven by growing disillusionment with globalisation and liberalism.

(Image Source: Indian Express)

Current Dynamics of Western “Civil Wars”

1. Polarisation and Rise of Populism

• The West is witnessing a growing clash between liberal elites and populist insurgents.
• Political discourse has shifted towards aggressive, war-like rhetoric.
• Example: The murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah was immediately termed by Trump supporters as an attack by the radical Left.
• Similar nationalist rallies in London, led by figures like Tommy Robinson, amplify anti-immigrant sentiment.

2. Convergence of Transatlantic Nationalism

• The MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement in the U.S. and the British nationalist movement show increasing alignment.
• Shared rhetoric emphasizes “taking back the nation” from liberal-global elites.

Three Core Ideological Fronts of Conflict

A. Values

• Liberal Establishment: Emphasises individual rights, multiculturalism, and global cooperation.
• Populists: Argue for nationalism, state sovereignty, and protection of traditional cultural and religious identities, often invoking “Judeo-Christian values”.

B. Immigration

• Liberals: Support relatively open borders, promoting cheap labour supply to benefit capitalist interests.
• Populists: Claim that mass (especially illegal) immigration:
• Strains public services
• Lowers wages
• Erodes social cohesion
• ‘Great Replacement’ Theory: Claims elites aim to replace native populations with foreigners to consolidate power—now mainstream.

C. Foreign Policy

• Liberals: Advocate globalism, multilateralism, and institutions like the EU and NATO as bulwarks against instability.
• Populists: Denounce foreign entanglements and alliances, viewing them as benefiting elites rather than citizens.
• Example: The Trump Administration dismantled USAID, NPR, and Voice of America, accusing them of spreading liberal values globally.
• Populists denounce the “Soros-driven NGO-industrial complex”.

Impact on India

• India is especially vulnerable to these Western political shifts due to:
  • Its large diaspora in Anglo-Saxon nations.
  • Many Indian professionals have thrived due to open-border policies since the 1960s.
  • Populist ire is now increasingly directed at Indian migrants.
  • The retreat of Western globalisation policies makes it harder for India to pursue export-led growth models as China once did.
• India’s diplomatic relations with the West are now complicated:
  • During Biden years: Friction over democracy and human rights.
  • During Trump years: A strategic alignment against Western liberalism.
  • Today: New contradictions emerge around immigration and globalisation.

Policy Implications for India

1. Re-assessing the “Collective West”

• India’s policymakers should abandon simplistic views of a homogeneous Western bloc.
• Instead, India must recognise:
• Fragmented Western political landscapes.
• Divergent ideologies and emerging populist-nationalist forces.

2. Strategic Engagement

• India must engage not only at the bilateral level but also with multiple political formations within Western democracies.
• Deep understanding of populist narratives and political dynamics will help India navigate future challenges in diplomacy and diaspora relations.

3. Think Tank and Academic Involvement

• Indian think tanks and academic institutions should invest more resources in researching Western polities and their internal fissures.
• This will help formulate informed policies that anticipate evolving global shifts.

Conclusion

• For India, whose growth strategy and international standing are closely tied to Western global institutions, these developments demand a nuanced, informed, and strategic approach. Understanding the internal “civil wars” of the West is not just an academic exercise, but a necessity for India’s long-term global engagement.

CARE MCQ

Q4.  Which of the following statements regarding the recent ideological conflict in Western democracies is/are correct?

1. Populists in the West argue that liberal policies of open borders serve capitalist interests in cheap labour while eroding social cohesion.
2. The ‘Great Replacement’ theory, once a fringe idea, now influences mainstream populist thought.
3. The Trump administration expanded the role of USAID, NPR, and Voice of America to strengthen global promotion of liberal values.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 4- A

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct: Populists in the West argue that liberal policies of relatively open borders serve capitalist interests by providing cheap labour while simultaneously eroding social cohesion, public services, and depressing wages. This forms a core part of their anti-globalisation and anti-immigration agenda.
• Statement 2 is correct: The ‘Great Replacement’ theory, which claims that elites deliberately replace native populations with foreigners to entrench their power, has moved from the fringe to the mainstream of populist discourse in the West, as highlighted in C. Raja Mohan’s editorial.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Contrary to the statement, the Trump administration did not expand but rather dismantled institutions such as USAID, NPR, and Voice of America, accusing them of spreading liberal values and serving globalist interests. This aligns with the populist rejection of globalist institutions.
• Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q.   Which one of the following factors constitutes the best safeguard of liberty in a liberal democracy? (2021)

(a) A committed judiciary
(b) Centralization of powers
(c) Elected government
(d) Separation of powers

Ans: D