Illiberal democracy and anti-modernisation waves in South-Asia

Dr Md Afroz :
Democracy, a form of people’s rule, requires great responsibility and commitment from the citizen and state. Democracy is an inclusive practice cemented on modern liberal ideals that brings peace and progress in society. The danger it carries equally great hope and aspirations and failing which revert back to conservative false promises. Unfortunately most of democratic political systems in the contemporary world either failed or failing of citizenry expectations, it pushed them to rethink the modern liberal socio-political system and facilitate the germination of illiberal democracy.
Illiberal democracy has been on the rise globally, with populist leaders and political parties gaining power in many countries. These leaders often exhibit authoritarian tendencies, such as restricting freedom of expression, suppressing dissent, and weakening democratic institutions. Illiberal democracy provides the political space for anti-modernization movements to flourish, while anti-modernization movements provide the ideological justification for Illiberal democracy. This symbiotic relationship can have serious implications for democracy, human rights, and social justice.
In the contemporary world, there are several countries containing attributes of illiberal democracy and have anti-modernization waves, here are few examples; Russia- since the election of Vladimir Putin in 2000, Russia has increasingly moved towards illiberal democracy. Putin has consolidated power, suppressed opposition, restricted freedom of speech, and cracked down on civil society. Additionally, there has been a resurgence of traditional values, such as the Orthodox Church, and a rejection of Western liberalism. Turkey- Under the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has seen a shift towards illiberal democracy since 2013. Erdogan has been accused of suppressing dissent, eroding the independence of the judiciary, and cracking down on the media. Furthermore, there has been a resurgence of conservative Islamic values and a rejection of secularism. Hungary- Since coming to power in 2010, Viktor Orban has moved Hungary towards illiberal democracy. Orban has restricted the independence of the media and the judiciary, cracked down on civil society, and limited political pluralism. Additionally, there has been a rejection of liberal values, such as LGBT rights and multiculturalism, in favor of conservative nationalism. United States- The election of Donald Trump in 2016 and the rise of the populist right in the United States have been seen by some as a manifestation of anti-modernization. Trump’s rhetoric often appealed to traditional values, such as nationalism and protectionism, and rejected liberal values, such as multiculturalism and free trade. There also noted a rejection of expertise and scientific knowledge.
Illiberal democracy and anti-modernization waves have been a significant concern in South Asia in recent years. Illiberal democracy is a political system that combines democratic practices with authoritarian tendencies, such as the restriction of civil liberties and human rights. On the other hand, anti-modernization waves refer to the social movements that reject Western modernization and seek to uphold traditional values and beliefs. This paper aims to examine the relationship between illiberal democracy and anti-modernization waves in South Asia. In South Asia, illiberal democracy has been on the rise in recent years. In countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, democratic institutions and practices coexist with authoritarian tendencies. For example, in India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been accused of suppressing dissent and restricting freedom of expression. The Indian government has also been criticized for its handling of the farmer protests and its treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims.
Similarly, in Pakistan, the military has a significant influence on politics, and democratic institutions have been weakened. The country has been ruled by military dictators for a significant portion of its history, not a single civilian elected government completed the full terms. Islamic fundamentalism, cultural conservatism and anti-minority are the major force in society. In Bangladesh, the ruling Awami League has been accused of cracking down on opposition and stifling dissent. In Sri Lanka, the government has been criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its treatment of minority groups, particularly Tamils.
Anti-modernization waves in South Asia are social movements that reject Western modernization and seek to uphold traditional values and beliefs. These movements have been on the rise in recent years, particularly in India and Pakistan. In India, the Hindu nationalist movement, led by the BJP, seeks to promote Hindu culture and values and reject Western secularism. The movement has been accused of promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of Indian society, which discriminates against minority groups, particularly Muslims. Similarly, in Pakistan, the Islamic fundamentalist movement seeks to promote Islamic values and reject Western modernization. The movement has been accused of promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of Pakistani society, which discriminates against minority groups, particularly Hindus and Christians. There is a close relationship between illiberal democracy and anti-modernization waves in South Asia. Illiberal democracy provides the political space for anti-modernization movements to flourish. In countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri-Lanka illiberal democracy has given rise to political parties and leaders who seek to promote traditional values and reject Western modernization.
It is important to note that these anti-modernization movements are not representative of the entire population of these countries. Many people in these countries embrace modernization and its associated values, including secularism, gender equality, and cultural diversity. In countries such as India and Pakistan, illiberal democracy is often justified by the need to protect traditional values and beliefs from the perceived threat of Western modernization. The anti-modernization movements provide the ideological framework for this justification. Furthermore, illiberal democracy and anti-modernization waves reinforce each other. Illiberal democracy provides the political power necessary for anti-modernization movements to promote their agenda, while anti-modernization movements provide the ideological justification for illiberal democracy.
The close relationship between illiberal democracy and anti-modernization waves has significant implications for democracy and human rights around the globe. Therefore, it is essential to address these concerns to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice globally and particularly in South-Asia. This requires a concerted effort by governments, civil society, and individuals to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice that are ingrained in democracy.

(The writer teaches political science and public administration @MANUU. He has obtained M,Phil, PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia. Abridged from countercurrents.org)