2024 has been a year of dramatic political upheaval, with governments across the globe facing unprecedented backlash from frustrated electorates. Incumbent parties, regardless of their ideological leanings or tenure, have crumbled under the weight of discontent. Yet, amidst this global wave of political rebellion, one leader stands as a notable exception: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
From the Americas to Europe, Asia, and Africa, voters have used the ballot box to express their dissatisfaction with stagnant economies, rising living costs, and an increasing sense of disconnection from political elites. As the COVID-19 pandemic’s lingering effects weigh heavily on global societies, faith in democratic processes seems to be wavering. In fact, a Pew Research Center poll across 24 countries revealed a growing disillusionment with democracy itself, as citizens feel underrepresented by traditional political systems.
A Year of Electoral Earthquakes
The year saw massive political shifts worldwide. In the U.S., Donald Trump’s return to the presidency marked a dramatic repudiation of the Democratic Party. Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party suffered its worst defeat since 1832, handing power back to Labour after 14 years. In Europe, France and Germany grappled with surging far-right movements that disrupted the political mainstream.
Asia wasn’t spared. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, long a bastion of political stability, faced its worst electoral setback in decades. South Korea’s liberal opposition unseated the conservative government in a wave of anger over economic stagnation. Even in Africa, where democratic institutions are still evolving, voter frustrations led to seismic changes, with Botswana’s ruling party losing power after nearly six decades.
Why Modi Stands Out
Against this backdrop of upheaval, Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged relatively unscathed. Though the BJP lost its parliamentary majority in June, Modi retained power by forging strong alliances. This was not a landslide victory by any means, but Modi’s ability to navigate voter dissatisfaction and maintain his leadership sets him apart in a year defined by anti-incumbency.
What makes Modi’s resilience remarkable is the backdrop of global discontent. Leaders across the world, from the UK to South Korea, struggled to explain away inflation, high prices, and rising migration. Modi, however, managed to pivot his narrative toward progress, positioning himself as a leader capable of delivering stability amidst global turmoil.
The Modi Factor
Modi’s leadership style, combining populist rhetoric with developmental promises, continues to resonate with large sections of the Indian electorate. Despite criticism over issues like unemployment and rising communal tensions, Modi’s personal brand remains strong. His focus on large-scale infrastructure projects, digital governance, and a nationalist agenda helps him retain his appeal among the masses, even in challenging times.
Moreover, Modi’s ability to weather international and domestic scrutiny—be it on economic performance or democratic values—underscores his political savvy. Unlike many leaders who succumbed to voter frustration, Modi harnessed it, turning potential dissent into an opportunity to reinforce his image as a leader for the future.
A Global Outlier
While nations from France to Japan saw their political foundations shaken, India under Modi stands as an outlier. His continued hold on power in a year of global disillusionment with incumbency reflects a nuanced understanding of voter sentiment and a masterful ability to adapt to political realities.
As the world grapples with an increasingly disillusioned electorate, Modi’s success poses an interesting question: Is his resilience a blueprint for political survival in turbulent times, or merely an exception in a year of unprecedented global voter backlash? Either way, 2024 has proven that while governments across the globe may falter, Modi’s political acumen continues to thrive.