Fareed Zakaria, author of *Age of Revolutions* and host of CNN's *Fareed Zakaria GPS*, dives into the tumultuous year of 2024. He discusses the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and its unintended ramifications. Zakaria examines the surprising electoral backlash against incumbents, fueled by rising populism. He also reveals insights on the BRICS alliance's challenge to global dynamics and the resilience of democracy amid global crises.
The rise of populism in global elections reflects a deep-seated backlash against traditional political norms, reshaping the future landscape of governance.
Democracy's resilience is highlighted as it enables citizens worldwide to voice dissent and demand change, contrasting sharply with the fragility of authoritarian regimes.
Deep dives
Impact of Populism on U.S. Elections
The rise of populism significantly influenced the results of the U.S. elections, reflecting a deep-seated backlash against established political norms. This trend, illustrated by Harris's loss and Trump's victory, demonstrates a persistent wave of anxiety and anger within the electorate, underpinning a shift away from traditional Republican values to a more populist agenda. The concept of an 'anti-incumbency year' emerged, as evidenced by various incumbent governments worldwide facing steep declines, such as the British Conservative Party’s loss. The ongoing ramifications point to a political landscape that acknowledges populist sentiments as a long-term reality rather than a fleeting occurrence.
Democracy Amidst Global Unrest
Despite widespread concerns over deteriorating democratic institutions, the resilience of democracy is showcased by its capacity to serve as an outlet for public dissent during turbulent times. Individuals across the globe are utilizing electoral processes to express discontent with their governments, illustrating democracy’s role as a tool for change. This contrasts sharply with authoritarian regimes, where citizens lack such mechanisms for accountability, ultimately making those governance structures more fragile. The capacity to vote provides a vital means for citizens to demand new leadership in times of crisis, highlighting democracy’s unique strength in turbulent political climates.
Middle East Dynamics and U.S. Foreign Policy
Recent developments in the Middle East reveal a complex balance of power influenced by the Biden administration's approach, which registers as both successful and controversial. U.S. support for Israel during its military actions in Gaza has resulted in lost soft power and growing tensions, yet it coincides with notable weakening of Iran’s influence and a decline in Hezbollah's power. The unprecedented military effectiveness of Israel has led to a significant restructuring of power dynamics in the region, positioning Israel as a dominant military force and aligning with the U.S. interests more effectively than in recent years. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a substantial exception that complicates the narrative of success, demanding careful reflection on the impact of foreign policy decisions.
The Rise of BRICS and Global Power Shifts
The expansion of BRICS and its evolving dynamics with the inclusion of significant nations indicate a growing discontent with perceived U.S. domination in global affairs. While the bloc represents a collective desire for countering Western influence, its practical power and ability to create a cohesive policy remain questionable, reflecting historical patterns seen in movements like the non-aligned coalition. The inherent differences among these nations, which span diverse economic and political landscapes, pose significant challenges for unified action. The U.S. must recognize this emerging coalition, understanding that the landscape of global power is shifting, despite the practical limitations of these groupings translating into effective geopolitical leverage.
This year closed out with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and numerous incumbents forced out after a record year of elections around the world. Fareed Zakaria, author of Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present, joins FP Live to reflect on the year and share his insights on what these trends could mean for our liberal global world order. Zakaria is also the host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS.