KARACHI: Crucial issues of the present, including the rise of populist leaders, right-wing movements and the resurgence of fascism in new forms across the world, came into sharp focus during Habib University’s ninth Yohsin Lecture featuring renowned scholar, academic and author Prof Thomas Hansen on Tuesday.

The academic, who teaches anthropology at Stanford University, spoke on the topic “The angry tide: Reflections on fascism, resentment, and authoritarian dreams”.

Dr Hansen noted that throughout the world, there has been a pushback against the effects of globalisation, liberal democracy and diversity, resulting in societal resentment and authoritarian reactions.

“We have seen Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency in the United States, Marine Le Pen’s rise in France, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, raising questions about the nature of fascism today,” said Dr Hansen.

Stanford professor talks about a pushback against effects of globalisation, liberal democracy and diversity

He explored the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of authoritarianism and fascism, drawing parallels and contrasts between 20th-century movements and today’s political landscape.

“Let’s talk about the present by revisiting the past,” he said, pointing to fears prevalent in early 20th-century European empires.

“People were afraid of social unrest, the poor being swayed by radical left ideologies or religious fanaticism, the breakdown of the old aristocratic order, the expansion of suffrage and political equality. Democracy was regarded as a threat to societal stability across the world,” he said.

Dr Hansen elaborated on fears of alienation due to capitalist dynamics, mass consumption, new technologies, secularised mass society, alienation from religion, dissolution of family values and patriarchy and a decline in respect for social hierarchy and authority.

Turning to present times, Dr Hansen observed a significant shift to the right over the past decade. “From India in 2014 to Trump in 2016 and again a few weeks ago; from Hungary to the Philippines, right-wing populist leaders have gained momentum by pushing back against the effects of globalisation, the increased visibility of women in public life, and multiculturalism,” he said.

“Academics worldwide view these trends as a return to fascism. Let’s not forget that fascism was only one manifestation, albeit a particularly violent one, of a broader range of conservative and nationalist movements and ideologies that have opposed liberal freedoms, democratic principles, equality and the effects of global capitalism for more than a century,” he remarked.

“The remedy for this is more democracy and more freedom. But we must also recognise that the success of democracy lies in expanding visibility and emancipation,” Dr Hansen concluded.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2024