In recent years, political landscapes worldwide have
witnessed a striking trend of the consistent rise of conservative or right-wing
forces. From developed democracies to emerging nations, liberal political
parties rooted in secularism and inclusion face a series of electoral defeats.
For many who champion liberal ideals, this trend can be disheartening, evoking
a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness. I feel this phenomenon warrants
deeper analysis, not just as a commentary on electoral outcomes but as a
reflection of the evolving interplay between societies and various ideologies.
Contrary to the current perception, liberalism even in the shadow of electoral
losses continues to shape society, often in subtle but profound ways.
At first glance, the conservative victory march might
seem to reflect the triumph of their ideology. However, much of their electoral
success stems from the loyalty of a steadfast voter base and some electoral
blunders by liberals. Conservative supporters often vote with unwavering
commitment, regardless of a candidate's flaws or controversies. Whether the
candidate is perceived as corrupt, controversial, or extreme, their core vote
bank remains intact. Liberals, on the other hand, lack this kind of dedicated
and unconditional support. Their voter base is diverse and fluid, comprising
groups drawn to specific policies or values. For example: immigrants may
support liberal policies during their initial years of integration into
society; workers might align with liberal agendas during periods of economic
struggle; and minorities may rally behind liberals for protection against
majoritarianism. However, as these groups stabilize or achieve their goals,
their loyalty often wanes based on their social and economic interests. This
dynamic reflects a paradox for liberals: their success in empowering and
integrating marginalized groups inadvertently diminishes their long-term voter
base. Furthermore, the educated, economically secure demographic often
seen as the core liberal constituency does not vote with the same urgency as
conservative voters. With little at stake personally in elections, their
participation hinges more on the nature of the candidate and ideological
alignment than existential concerns. This may explain some shift in voting
patterns by the groups who were mistakenly considered liberal voters.
Despite losing elections, liberal ideals continue to
exert significant influence. This happens at least in two ways. First, due to
the need for conservative moderation. When conservatives win elections, their
victory often extends beyond their traditional voter base. To maintain this
broader coalition, they are compelled to moderate their extreme rhetoric. Even
when they rely on divisive propaganda to galvanize their core supporters,
implementing such rhetoric becomes politically unfeasible in governance. As a
result, many conservative governments tone down their hardline positions to
accommodate the diverse expectations of their electorate. This moderation,
ironically, is not organic but is driven by the liberal values embedded in
modern democratic systems. Liberals may lose the electoral battle, but their
principles indirectly shape the policy and governance of conservative
government. For example, many social welfare schemes enacted by liberal
governments are continued by subsequent conservative governments, often,
unwillingly. Second, the liberal watchdog effect forces conservatives to
abandon their toxic propaganda when they are in power. Conservatives often
target liberals as their primary opposition, even when liberals lack
significant electoral power. This consistent focus highlights the role of
liberalism as a counterweight to extremism. By existing as a credible
alternative, liberals ensure that democratic norms and values remain intact.
Therefore, the liberal influence extends beyond ballots to shaping societal
discourse, safeguarding inclusion, and preventing the erosion of democratic
institutions.
While the current trend may seem bleak for liberals,
it is essential to recognize the broader picture. Electoral defeats, though
painful, do not signal the demise of liberal ideals. Instead, these ideals
continue to exert a quiet but powerful influence on governance, policy, and
society. So, for those disheartened by the rise of conservative forces, take
solace in this: the essence of liberalism lies not just in winning elections
but in shaping the world in ways that ensure inclusivity, equality, equity, and
progress, sometimes through direct action and sometimes by compelling others to
act. In the grand scheme of democracy, the show goes on, and liberals
remain an indispensable part of the story, no matter which government is in
power.
Thank you for reading and please share your views on
this topic.
*Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com
