DefinePK

Abstract

2024 in Retrospect
Dr Masuma Hasan*
A significant aspect of recent elections in different countries of the world is that the incumbent governments did not win. The parties that won the elections were mostly from the far right, in a way saying goodbye to liberal policies and to tolerance in many spheres of public life. For example, in Austria, where the People’s Party was considerably right wing, the winning party was even more to the right. In South Africa, for instance, Nelson Mandela’s African National Party lost support and had to enter into a coalition with the opposition parties. In India, Narendra Modi’s BJP also lost its parliamentary majority and was forced to form a coalition government. Even the 27- member European Union saw conservative populist parties come to power. The result was that liberal policies have been rolled back, especially in the social sectors. This is reflected in what Donald Trump has said since he took power. With his mercurial temperament, on the very first day of his presidency, he reversed many existing policies of the United States through executive orders. His aspirations are reflected in his assertions with respect to Canada, Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama Canal which he wants to own and control. And of course, with respect to Greenland, which he offered to purchase in the year 2019. All this has changed the rules of the game as we know them in international politics.
As we look back at the year 2024, the most worrying and significant event has been the carnage in Gaza and in Palestine overall which has been carried out with impunity, affecting the entire politics of the Middle East. It was an attempt to wipe out the Palestinians from the face of the Earth. We can also recall what happened to Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the prime minister of Bangladesh, who had to flee to India.