The Hindu Editorial Analysis
26 February 2025
The right’s rise, Europe’s state of denial
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)
Topic: GS 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Context
- EU leaders are gradually compromising their own liberal values.
- This has allowed the rise of right-wing parties in Europe.
Introduction
- Recent events at the Munich Security Conference and the UN General Assembly highlighted the irony of international relations regarding Ukraine.
- The U.S. and Russia held discussions on Ukraine without inviting Ukrainians or Europeans.
- A peace summit in June 2024 excluded Russia at Ukraine’s request.
Accusations Against Right-Wing Parties
- J.D. Vance’s Accusations: U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance accused Europe of suppressing right-wing parties, stifling free speech, and mishandling migration, jeopardizing democracy and freedoms.
- Preventing Legitimacy: Before November 2024, U.S. and European efforts aimed to prevent right-wing parties from gaining electoral legitimacy, fearing they threatened liberal values.
- Romania’s Court Ruling: Romania’s constitutional court annulled a presidential election that favored far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who opposed aid to Ukraine.
U.S. Oversights
- Accusations Against Europe: In February 2025, the U.S. criticized Ukraine and Europe for not resolving the conflict with Russia, despite its own significant financial support for Ukraine.
- Sabotage of Negotiations: The U.S. previously influenced a European leader to sabotage peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- Nord Stream Pipeline Incident: Allies of Germany sabotaged the Nord Stream pipelines, impacting gas supplies.
- NATO Contributions: The U.S. calls for Europe to enhance its defense spending while contributing significantly to NATO, despite having historically resisted European security autonomy.
- Migration and Terrorism Accusations: The U.S. criticizes the EU for not addressing illegal migration and terrorism effectively, ignoring its past focus on right-wing extremism as a primary threat.
Problems in Europe
- Domestic Policy Impacts: Europe struggles to acknowledge how its policies have encouraged radicalism and altered demographics.
- Exploitation of Liberal Values: Various terrorist groups have exploited Europe’s liberal societies, leading to a rise in right-wing political sentiment.
- Fear of Voter Backlash: Political leaders are fearful of their voters’ reactions, leading to undemocratic actions against right-wing parties.
- Denial of European Elites: EU leaders are in denial about the consequences of their policies, which have contributed to the rise of the far-right.
- India’s Critique: India’s External Affairs Minister criticized the West for promoting democracy at home while supporting non-democratic forces abroad.
- Ukraine War Dynamics: A divide emerged between U.S. and European positions regarding the Ukraine war, complicating international consensus.
Relevance of the Trans-Atlantic Partnership
- Partnership Not Over: Despite tensions, it’s premature to declare the trans-Atlantic partnership over.
- U.S. Tactical Retreat: The U.S. call for a retreat from Europe is seen as a tactical move rather than a strategic shift.
- Opportunity for Europe: With new leadership in Germany, Europe has a chance to correct its course, invest in security, and pursue a more independent foreign policy.
Conclusion
- The trans-Atlantic partnership is crucial, especially with the growing ties between Russia and China.
- Both the U.S. and Europe have significant stakes in maintaining their relationship, despite current challenges.
- A historical perspective: Mahatma Gandhi’s remark on Western civilization suggests the need for reflection and improvement in Western values.