Right-wing populism has gained significant traction worldwide, with leaders like Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni using rhetoric that appeals to nationalistic sentiments, anti-leftist positions and a rejection of progressive values. Trump’s reference to his inauguration as a “liberation day” for the US and Meloni’s claim to represent “common sense” while opposing “woke-ism” and defending free speech and faith reflect a broader ideological trend that has deep implications for the world, particularly for the poor and marginalised.Trump, while addressing a joint session of Congress on March 4, described his avalanche of executive orders and new initiatives as a “common sense revolution”. In his 99-minute address, said to be the longest in modern history of the US, declared in his characteristic boisterous style, he said, “Over the past six weeks, I have signed nearly 100 executive orders and taken more than 400 executive actions, a record to restore common sense, safety, optimism and wealth all across our wonderful land.” It was déjà vu of kind for us Indians. Eight months ago our own prime minister had delivered the longest speech in our parliament, lasting 135 minutes, in his combative style, while replying to a no-confidence motion by the once-live INDIA Alliance. It was no coincidence, nor was Trump copying Modi. It is the in-born style of the virtual alliance of now ascendant conservative politicians across the world as Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni hinted, naming Modi among few of her alliance friends. Meloni was addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington via video link from Rome on February 23. She slammed the Left’s “double standards” in perceiving conservatives globally, saying when leaders like herself, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi collaborate, they are called a “threat to democracy”, while leftist leaders are praised for similar alliances. Whether the fragmented Left really grudged conservative alliances or not, or who praised them for their own, Meloni is right in her remark to have a global alliance to bring about a common sense revolution. What is common sense?The term “common sense” has become a rhetorical tool frequently used by right-wing populist leaders to justify their policies and political strategies. They do not have any other established way left to justify them, with the pseudo theory of ‘neoliberalism’ dead. Their usage of the term, however, is not neutral – it is an ideological construct that serves specific political goals. Some of these can be easily discerned: ‘Common sense’ as a populist strategyRight-wing leaders often frame their policies as “common sense solutions” that ordinary people instinctively understand, in contrast to the “elitist” and “out-of-touch” political establishment.This allows them to position themselves as anti-establishment while attacking intellectuals, experts and traditional political institutions.Anti-Left and Anti-progressive narrativeWhen Trump, Meloni or Modi refer to “common sense”, it is often a dismissal of progressive ideas such as multiculturalism, gender rights, environmental policies and social justice movements.They brand progressive policies as “woke” or “political correctness” gone too far and claim that their own policies are simply returning to “common sense” governance.Nationalism and cultural identityMeloni’s “common sense” includes strong nationalist rhetoric, resistance to European Union influence and a hard stance on immigration.Modi’s “common sense” is tied to Hindutva ideology, branding critics as “anti-national” while promoting majoritarian politics.Trump’s “common sense revolution” focuses on America First, attacking immigration and rolling back progressive laws.Crony capitalism and economic policiesDespite attacking “elites”, these leaders advocate for big business interests, tax cuts for corporations and deregulation, which largely benefit the wealthy.Modi’s economic “common sense” has included policies like demonetisation, corporate tax cuts and privatisation, which disproportionately hurt the poor while benefiting large industrialists like Ambani and Adani.Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation policies similarly helped Wall Street and large corporations under the guise of economic nationalism.Islamophobia and Xenophobia as ‘common sense’When Trump talks about ‘common sense’ security policies, it often translates to anti-immigrant and Islamophobic rhetoric, such as his Muslim ban and the Mexico border wall.Modi’s “common sense” governance includes policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370, both of which are deeply exclusionary toward Muslims.Meloni’s “common sense” politics involves anti-immigration laws, targeting refugees and asylum seekers in Italy.Seen thus, ‘common sense’ becomes a political weapon for conservatives. Rather than representing neutral, universally accepted wisdom, the “common sense” invoked by right-wing populists is an ideological tool used to discredit progressive movements by branding them as “elitist” or “out of touch”; promote nationalism, xenophobia, and majoritarianism under the guise of practicality; advance crony capitalism while claiming to represent the ordinary people.Right-wing populismRight-wing populism often frames left-wing politics as elitist, detached, or even dangerous. By opposing “wokeism” (a loosely defined term used to criticise progressive social policies), Meloni, like Trump, positions herself as a defender of the so-called “real people” against allegedly oppressive liberal elite. This disdain for collective wisdom and rational discourse allows them to simplify complex socio-economic issues into a battle between the virtuous common folk and corrupt elites.Trump’s “America First” and Meloni’s nationalist rhetoric emphasise national sovereignty at the cost of global cooperation. This approach weakens institutions like the United Nations, the European Union and other multilateral organisations, which play critical roles in addressing global poverty, climate change and human rights violations. By prioritising national interests over collective global challenges, such rhetoric exacerbates economic and social inequalities.Right-wing populism often claims to support the working class but, in practice, pursues economic policies that benefit large corporations and the wealthy. Tax cuts for the rich, deregulation, and reduction in welfare spending increase wealth disparities. The vast majority of the world’s poor, particularly in developing nations, suffer when global economic policies shift toward neoliberal, nationalist models that restrict labour rights and social safety nets.Right-wing populists also frequently challenge democratic institutions by discrediting the judiciary, media and opposition parties. Trump’s repeated attacks on the press as the “enemy of the people” and Meloni’s branding of leftist movements as an existential threat create an environment where authoritarian tendencies can flourish. This erosion of democratic institutions disproportionately harms marginalised groups who rely on legal protections and civic activism to fight oppression.The rise of right-wing populism has become a defining feature of global politics in the 21st century. Leaders like Trump in the US, Modi in India, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, Javier Milei in Argentina and Meloni in Italy represent a wave of conservative, nationalist and often authoritarian-leaning governments that challenge liberal democratic norms. This trend is marked by its aggressive rhetoric against the Left, disdain for multiculturalism, and a rejection of progressive social movements, often branding them as threats to national identity and sovereignty.Several key factors have contributed to the rise of right-wing populism across the world:Economic Discontent and Neoliberal Failures: The post-Cold War neoliberal economic model has failed large sections of the working class, leading to stagnating wages, job losses due to automation and a general sense of economic insecurity. Right-wing leaders capitalise on this discontent by presenting themselves as champions of the “common people” against global elites.Crisis of the Liberal Establishment: Traditional centrist and left-liberal parties have often failed to address economic and social inequalities, leading to disillusionment. The inability of liberal elites to provide alternatives to austerity, privatisation and corporate dominance has fuelled distrust in the system, allowing right-wing populists to claim they represent the ‘true will’ of the people.Cultural Nationalism and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Many right-wing movements thrive on nationalist sentiments, portraying themselves as defenders of cultural identity against the threats of immigration, globalisation and multiculturalism. This is evident in Trump’s “America First” doctrine, Modi’s Hindutva politics, and Meloni’s emphasis on traditional Italian values.Media and the Role of Social Networks: The rise of social media has allowed right-wing movements to spread misinformation, fuel culture wars and mobilise mass support while discrediting mainstream media as biased or controlled by the Left.Weaponization of ‘Wokeism’ and Free Speech Debate: Right-wing populists often claim that progressive movements advocating for gender rights, racial justice and environmental policies are curtailing free speech and imposing a new form of authoritarianism through political correctness.Strategic Right-Wing Alliances: The collaboration between leaders like Trump, Modi and Meloni is often framed as a counter to what they call “global leftist hypocrisy.” They argue that when conservative leaders align, they are seen as threats to democracy, whereas leftist alliances are seen as progressive. This narrative helps consolidate right-wing unity and fortify their support base.Implications for global poorThe implication to the majority of people on margins is very clear: Worsening Inequality: Policies favouring privatisation, reduced taxation on the wealthy, and cuts to public services disproportionately affect the poor. Right-wing populism’s economic strategies lead to increased precarity for working-class populations, both in the Global North and South. The dismantling of state welfare and public healthcare systems further exacerbates inequalities, leaving millions without essential services.Suppression of Workers’ Movements and Social Justice Initiatives: Right-wing populism often targets labour unions, student movements and leftist organisations, branding them as obstacles to national progress. This suppression hinders the ability of workers and activists to demand fair wages, workplace protections and social justice, consolidating power in the hands of corporations and the ruling elite.Threats to Climate Action and Environmental Justice: Populist right-wing leaders frequently dismiss climate science and roll back environmental regulations under the guise of economic growth and national interests. This short-term approach leads to long-term environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting poorer communities that lack the resources to adapt to climate crises.Rising Xenophobia and Erosion of Minority Rights: By positioning immigration as a major threat, right-wing populists stoke racial and ethnic divisions, leading to discriminatory policies and societal polarisation. This fuels violence and exclusion against minority communities, deepening socio-political fractures and undermining social cohesion.The rise of right-wing populism, exemplified by figures like Trump and Meloni, represents a broader ideological battle against collectivist principles, rational policy-making and global solidarity. Its emphasis on nationalism, economic deregulation and anti-left rhetoric not only erodes democratic institutions but also deepens inequalities, disproportionately harming the global poor. The future of global politics depends on countering these regressive forces with policies rooted in inclusivity, social justice and international cooperation. Failure to challenge this trend risks further entrenching authoritarianism, economic disparity, and environmental devastation.A Common Sense Response In order to effectively counter this right-wing wave, the Left needs to shun its doctrinaire approach and build peoples’ unity against the right wing onslaught. It must rethink its strategies and engage in serious political and ideological reconfiguration. While the actual strategies have to be drawn up creatively, some general points can be suggested: Reclaiming Economic Justice: The Left must return to its roots by championing policies that directly address economic disparities. Instead of getting wavered by identity politics, a renewed focus on labour rights, wealth redistribution and public welfare can resonate with working-class voters who have been swayed by right-wing populism.Building a Counter-Narrative: The Right has effectively controlled narratives on nationalism, security and economic protectionism. The Left must craft a compelling counter-narrative that upholds democracy, rational policymaking and a people-centered approach to governance.Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Right-wing populists thrive by mobilising rural and semi-urban populations who feel alienated by cosmopolitan elites. The Left must actively engage these communities by addressing their material conditions rather than dismissing them as reactionary.Defending Democratic Institutions: Right-wing leaders have often undermined judicial independence, press freedom, and electoral systems. The Left needs to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and making them more representative of marginalised voices.International Solidarity: The Right has built strong international linkages, supporting each other’s movements and reinforcing shared ideological positions. The Left needs to foster stronger global alliances that promote social justice, climate action and economic equality.Combating Disinformation: Right-wing media machinery thrives on misinformation and manufactured outrage. The Left must invest in independent media, grassroots mobilisation and digital activism to counter fake narratives.The rise of right-wing populism poses a grave challenge to democracy, equality and rational governance. While the Right has effectively tapped into economic and cultural anxieties, the Left must respond with a robust, clear-eyed strategy that goes beyond reactionary politics. By reclaiming economic justice, strengthening democratic institutions and creating a compelling narrative for the future, the Left can mount an effective resistance against this growing tide. Failure to do so will not only weaken progressive movements but also deepen the crisis of democracy worldwide.Anand Teltumbde is former CEO, PIL, professor, IIT Kharagpur and GIM, Goa; writer and civil rights activist.
