Akshit Tyagi
The rise of right-wing populism has dramatically altered the global political landscape. From Donald Trump in the United States to Giorgia Meloni in Italy and Marine Le Pen’s growing influence in France, nationalist and conservative movements are gaining ground. This trend has significant implications for international relations, challenging existing global institutions, norms, and alliances.
In Australia, a survey suggests that the Peter Dutton-led Coalition is currently in a strong position to form government, indicating a possible shift toward the right in Australian politics. According to new polling data from YouGov, if an election were held today, the Coalition would be favoured to secure around 73 seats, with projections ranging between 65 and 80 seats. A party requires 76 seats for a majority government.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP promotes Hindu nationalism, with policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the removal of Kashmir’s special status, which critics say target minorities. In the Philippines, former President Rodrigo Duterte used tough, nationalist rhetoric, while Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto has gained support with military-style nationalism.
Meanwhile in Africa, right-wing populism often focuses on nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment. In South Africa, groups like Operation Dudula blame foreigners for economic problems. In Tunisia, President Kais Saied has cracked down on migrants and increased his power. In Nigeria, politicians exploit ethnic and religious divisions for support. Despite differences, these movements all claim to defend the “real people” against elites and outsiders.
What Led to the Shift Towards Right-Wing Populism?
Across the world, economic discontent has fuelled populist movements. Globalization has led to economic inequality, stagnating wages, and job losses for the working class. Right-wing leaders capitalize on these frustrations by advocating for economic nationalism, protectionist policies, and a retreat from multilateral trade agreements. This rhetoric resonates with those who feel left behind by rapid economic and technological changes.
Immigration has become another flashpoint in the rise of right-wing populism. The movement has thrived on anxieties about cultural identity, with leaders pushing policies that restrict migration and prioritize “native” citizens over newcomers. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has leveraged these concerns to gain political traction, securing about 20% of the votes in the recent federal elections, making it the second-largest party in the Bundestag. In France, Marine Le Pen continues to challenge mainstream parties by framing immigration as a threat to national security and social cohesion. These populist figures present themselves as defenders of national identity, positioning immigration control as a necessary measure to preserve their country’s traditional values and way of life.
Right-Wing Populism and the War on Press Freedom
Press freedom continues to decline in right-wing populist-led nations, with the United States, India, Hungary, Poland, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Argentina, and Israel all facing increasing restrictions on independent journalism. According to a report from Reporters Without Borders in 2024, Argentina witnessed the steepest drop, falling 26 places to 66th, as President Javier Milei’s administration aggressively reshapes media policies. The United States slipped 10 spots to 55th, reflecting escalating political pressure on journalists, while Hungary ranked 67th, remaining one of Europe’s worst environments for press freedom under Viktor Orbán’s government. Poland (47th) and Italy (46th) also showed troubling trends, while Brazil and Turkey continue their crackdowns on dissenting voices. In India and Israel, government influence over media narratives has grown, further restricting journalistic independence
A growing distrust of elites and political institutions has also contributed to the appeal of right-wing populism. Many of these movements position themselves as champions of the people, railing against perceived corruption in the political establishment and mainstream media. Leaders like Trump and Jair Bolsonaro have capitalized on this sentiment, attacking the credibility of democratic institutions and the press, often labeling them as enemies of the people. Earlier this week, the White House barred journalists from Reuters and several other media outlets from attending President Trump’s first cabinet meeting in its newly implemented media coverage policy. An Associated Press photographer, as well as reporters from Reuters, HuffPost, and the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, were also denied entry. Meanwhile, TV crews from ABC and Newsmax, along with correspondents from Axios, The Blaze, Bloomberg News, and NPR, were allowed to cover the event.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not held a formal press conference in India since taking office in 2014. The last press conference by an Indian Prime Minister in the country was conducted by Dr. Manmohan Singh. However, he has participated in joint press events abroad, such as the recent press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 13 earlier this year.
In Australia, the media landscape is one of the most concentrated in the democratic world, with a few major corporations dominating print, digital, and broadcast media. The most influential player is News Corp Australia, owned by Rupert Murdoch, which controls around 60% of daily newspaper circulation. It owns major publications such as The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, and Courier-Mail and operates Sky News Australia, which has evolved into a powerful right-wing opinion channel. The second major player is Nine Entertainment Co., which owns The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian Financial Review. While Nine’s newspapers were historically centrist or slightly left-leaning, their coverage has become more commercially driven rather than ideologically distinct.
Weakening institutions and diplomacy
The resurgence of right-wing populism has serious implications for the international system. The weakening of multilateral institutions is among the most significant consequences. Populist leaders often frame international organizations as threats to national sovereignty, resulting in disengagement from bodies like the United Nations and European Union. The Brexit referendum was a direct manifestation of this sentiment, as nationalist rhetoric emphasized taking back control from Brussels. In the United States, the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal showed a reluctance to commit to the collective international efforts. Additionally, Trump’s alignment with European far-right parties, including his endorsement of AfD leaders, highlights the formation of an international alliance among right-wing populist movements.
Diplomatic alliances have also come under strain. Since his 2024 re-election, Donald Trump has shifted U.S. policy on Ukraine, moving closer to Russia and Vladimir Putin. In February 2025, his administration called Ukraine’s goal of reclaiming lost land “unrealistic” and questioned its chances of joining NATO. He also held direct talks with Putin without including Ukraine, angering Kyiv and its European allies. While Trump now acknowledges Russia’s invasion, he blames Ukraine and Biden for not preventing it, marking a big shift in U.S. foreign policy that weakens support for Ukraine and strengthens ties with Moscow. This change was clear in recent United Nations votes, where the U.S. sided with Russia. On February 24, the U.S. proposed a resolution in the UN Security Council calling for a quick end to the war but did not condemn Russia. The resolution passed with support from the U.S., Russia, and China. At the same time, the UN General Assembly voted on a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion, which the U.S. voted against. Despite this, the resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions.
Rise in economic nationalism and protectionist policies
Another significant impact of right-wing populism is the rise of economic nationalism and trade protectionism. The U.S.-China trade war, initiated during Trump’s presidency, was a key example of this shift away from globalization toward a more insular economic approach. Trump’s 2025 protectionist tariff policy imposed 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports, excluding Canadian energy (10%), and expanded 10% tariffs on Chinese goods. Justified under national security laws, the move aimed to protect U.S. industries but sparked backlash, with Mexico planning retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s proposal for a universal 10-20% tariff on all imports has raised fears of trade wars and economic fallout. While intended to reduce trade deficits, the policy risks higher consumer prices and strained global relations.
In Hungary, Orbán’s government has given economic benefits to businesses and people loyal to him, making it harder for opposition groups to compete. This has helped him stay in power and has weakened democratic institutions. Some experts call Hungary an “electoral autocracy” because elections take place, but the ruling party has too much control over the economy and media.
Erdoğan has followed unusual economic policies in Turkey, such as refusing to raise interest rates despite high inflation. This has hurt the Turkish economy, making it unstable and causing investors to lose confidence. Even though Turkey recently shifted to more traditional economic policies, experts worry that economic decisions are still controlled too much by the government instead of independent financial institutions.
The rise of right-wing populism has also contributed to democratic backsliding. Many populist governments have sought to consolidate power by undermining judicial independence and eroding checks and balances within democratic institutions. In
Germany, the growing influence of the AfD has led to increasing concerns about the normalization of extremist views within mainstream politics. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Milei has pursued aggressive deregulation policies while challenging the legitimacy of established political institutions. The erosion of democratic norms not only affects domestic governance but also has international repercussions, as it weakens global commitments to human rights and the rule of law.
Long-Term Consequences and Future Outlook
If the trend of right-wing populism continues, the global order may shift toward increased multipolarity, with international governance structures becoming weaker and regional powers asserting greater influence. As global institutions lose credibility and support, countries like China and Russia may take advantage of the void, promoting alternative models of governance that challenge liberal democratic values. This could lead to heightened geopolitical tensions, with nationalist policies heightening disputes over trade, security, and migration. For instance, China has been closely watching how the world responds to Ukraine. Some experts believe that if Western countries are divided over Ukraine, China might feel more confident about making aggressive moves towards Taiwan.
The rise of right-wing populism is reshaping the international order in ways that threaten multilateralism, global economic stability, and democratic governance. Whether this trend represents a temporary backlash or a fundamental political realignment remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the consequences of this shift are far-reaching, requiring thoughtful engagement from policymakers, scholars, and civil society. If the international community fails to respond effectively, the foundations of global stability could be at risk.
