The Rise of Anti-Globalism in Western Countries

The rise of anti-globalism in Western countries can be traced back to the erosion of the liberal international order. The order was built on domestic institutional arrangements that supported policies like free trade and multilateralism. During the Cold War, the competition between the Soviet Union and the United States reinforced the authority of centrist parties in Western democracies. Additionally, the development of the social welfare state provided economic security and support for international trade. However, with the end of the Cold War and the rise of globalization, domestic support and protections were not adequately addressed. This created a political space for far-left and far-right parties to gain traction, promoting economic nationalism and exploiting concerns about immigration.