Brexit, Trump & India

Brexit, Trump & India

FPJ BureauUpdated: Thursday, May 30, 2019, 02:02 PM IST
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Globalisation was the catchword during the last two decades. It was no doubt instrumental in increasing economic benefits in terms of increasing cost efficiency, booming internet traffic and tourism, increasing flow of information and arguably rising volume of trade and investment; and, inflow of immigrants. But the working class, old and poor were badly affected; they saw jobs go and wages drop and felt the need for stopping the rampaging globalisation. In many areas, they also faced onslaughts from alien identity and culture. Multicultural nation is nice to preach but difficult to accept. Further, Brussels mostly disregarded indigenous public opinion, and the system exhibited an iron resistance to reform. There was therefore a felt need to restore decision making and political dignity from the clutches of remote bureaucracy and politics. All this made Brexit happen through a referendum on whether or not Britain remains part of a German-controlled banker-run bureaucratic pseudo-Union with unlimited numbers of Turkish and Eastern European migrants.

Again, unbridled deregulation coupled with unrivalled influence on the global economic system amounted to a toxic mix. So Brexit may also be interpreted as a vote against malpactices permeating England’s most lucrative financial services sector.

This should not surprise us because many states in India do not want stranglehold of Delhi and instead covet true federalism and even within the states, there are aspirations for local government and identity. Arvind Kejriwal is already talking about a referendum on the Statehood of Delhi.

This bunker mentality is getting prominent in US too and therefore we find that Donald Trump champions protectionism and walls to keep out immigrants. Not surprisingly, the RCP May 23 survey has given a 0.2 % lead to Trump over Hillary.

Neelanjan Hazra has written an excellent piece on gradual advancement of Trump in Ei Samay on  June 24, 2016. He explains how Prof. Garry Weaver has described American society comprising people of various origins like White, Black, Red Indian, Mexican, Hispanic etc. and diverse views and opinions, as a ‘salad bowl’ and not a ‘melting pot’. In other words, it is the co-existence of diversity that characterises American Society in contrast to its professed unanimity or convergence. Weaver feels this is what it ought to be.

But this co-existence is being continuously challenged by the ones who see themselves as the legitimate sons of soil leading to increasing economic, social and cultural conflicts. Donald Trump is apparently articulating, emphasising and representing this growing challenge.

Western liberals left of centre, the so-called self acclaimed democratic leaders and intellectuals, think-tanks and the Civil Society have developed a very sacrosanct code of behavioural conduct, which is not to be breached at any cost. This is the limit of ‘Political Correctness.’ Trump does not subscribe to this politically correct code. He not only breaches it, he even has started conducting the orchestra of populist anger in the ‘salad bowl.’

Do we similarly see a parallel in India dominated by Modi? Like Trump, Modi has often been called a racist, liar, reactionary, authoritarian, uncivil with the Press often ganging up against him. Yet, in public perception he is a very honest and articulate leader, carrying India to development.

There is a parallel in West Bengal with Mamata, too. She has often been called uncultured, authoritarian, ill-tempered and uneducated. A large part of the press has been running a sustained and vicious anti-Mamata campaign. Mamata, however, has a kind of bonding with the poor and lower middle class in WB. She can feel their pulse and empathise with them. The result is for all to see. The love and esteem with which people regard her have been amply proved by the recent poll results.

The Brexit is really a welcome reality check on the intolerant and self-righteous Western liberalism and political correctness and their hiatus with public perception.

Are the people concerned listening?

Author is a former banker and now a commentator on contemporary issues.

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