The State of Democracy in 2024: India, the U.S., and the Global Tug of War

 

The State of Democracy in 2024: India, the U.S., and the Global Tug of War

 

This year has brought stark challenges to democracy in two of the world’s largest democracies: India and the United States. Each nation faced unique trials, exposing the influence of forces seeking to shape the modern world in their image and highlighting fault lines that could drastically alter their trajectories. In India, the ruling government made significant efforts to secure the Bhartiya Janata Party's return to power, while in America, voters opted for a controversial leader over a seasoned public servant. These elections underscore a common theme: democracy, under siege, is vulnerable to charismatic leaders who manipulate narratives to appeal to public sentiment rather than truth.

Ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata warn of unchecked ambition and the consequences of ego-driven leadership. The Ramayana depicts Ravana as a learned but arrogant king, who, despite his wisdom, ultimately loses everything to his unrestrained ambition. Today’s political landscape mirrors this cautionary tale, with one distinction: today’s populist leaders are less educated but adept at wielding religion and populist narratives as tools for power. They leverage public misunderstanding to distort their message, appealing to emotional rather than rational judgments. This manipulation has proven effective in rallying support, highlighting a dangerous trend: in the current political arena, less transparent, more populist forces are winning ground, while democratic ideals struggle to clarify their message to an increasingly distracted public. Without a clear distinction, people are swayed more by enticing promises than by feasible plans.

The implications of these choices are already visible, especially for those who supported these populist leaders in good faith. In Pennsylvania, a recent incident illustrated this disconnect. A manager informed employees—many Trump supporters—that their Christmas bonuses would be withheld due to increased operating costs linked to Trump’s planned tariffs on imported goods. Shocked, the employees confronted the stark reality of lost income, realizing that Trump’s promise of "foreign governments paying tariffs" bore direct consequences for American workers. This reality echoed other unfulfilled promises, like Trump’s claim that Mexico would pay for a border wall—a wall that never materialized as he promised but was widely believed by his base. Like Ravana’s kingdom, which thrived on his intellect and leadership, today's populist leaders lack the knowledge and experience to create sustainable prosperity. They may master the art of crafting appealing messages, but these messages often mask intentions that are neither beneficial nor feasible for the average citizen.

This gap between rhetoric and reality has surfaced in other troubling ways. Social media is rife with racially charged commentary, with some Trump supporters emboldened enough to invoke America’s darkest histories. Reports indicate that some have told Black Americans they’ll need to “pick cotton” again, suggesting a revival of oppressive ideologies. Meanwhile, women face new anxieties, particularly regarding reproductive rights, as restrictive policies loom that could limit access to critical healthcare services, endangering lives. Returning to the Ramayana, we see a familiar narrative: Danavs (demons) emerge, creating chaos for the common people. Empowered by leaders who shield them from accountability, these individuals perpetuate divisive agendas. While ordinary people grapple with these challenges, leaders focus on consolidating power, turning societal struggles into opportunities for personal gain.

This struggle is not limited to individuals but extends to state-federal relations in the U.S., where state governments have taken bold steps to resist federal overreach. California’s governor, for example, recently convened an emergency meeting to warn the incoming administration not to interfere with California’s laws. California has committed to upholding the rights of undocumented workers and defending women’s reproductive rights, refusing to yield these issues to federal mandates. New York’s attorney general echoed this stance, warning that while the state would collaborate with the administration, it would resist actions deemed illegal under state law. These developments highlight the resilience of America’s federal structure, which allows states the autonomy to counterbalance the federal government.

Yet, uncertainty looms. With control over Congress and the Senate, Trump’s administration may push sweeping reforms with minimal resistance, raising concerns about the responsible use of unchecked power. Will this administration prioritize the public good, or will it, as critics fear, usher in an era of inequality, with wealth concentrated among the elite while the average American bears the brunt—much like critics allege under Modi’s leadership in India? The months ahead may bring a harsh awakening for the United States. Should the administration maintain its hardline approach, the nation’s divisions will likely deepen, unsettling even those who once offered uncritical support. Alternatively, Trump may pivot toward the center, though his unpredictable nature makes his intentions difficult to forecast.

A stark realization has emerged from these elections: the powerful grip of religious and ideological beliefs over communities, many of whom remain steadfast in their support for leaders despite detrimental policies. This blind faith, impervious to facts and outcomes, risks creating deeper divisions within society and threatens the very core of democracy itself. In the end, the democratic forces must evolve, refining their approach and offering a vision that is compelling and grounded in reality. Only then can they present a viable alternative to populist allure, which often relies on grand promises that resonate emotionally but lack substance. Until democratic ideals can offer clear, relatable messages that resonate with the public, they remain vulnerable to leaders who place ego above empathy and power above the public good.

As the world watches, democracies in India, the U.S., and beyond must confront this challenge to safeguard their core principles or risk ceding them to the whims of leaders prioritizing personal ambition over the well-being of their nations.