Western Contradictions in Security, Democracy, and Migration

Source: The post Western Contradictions in Security, Democracy, and Migration has been created, based on the article “The right’s rise, Europe’s state of denial” published in “The Hindu” on 26th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the contradictions and challenges within U.S. and European policies, their disagreements on managing far-right movements and migration, and the impacts on their democratic values and trans-Atlantic relations. It highlights the irony in their actions versus their stated ideals, especially regarding the Ukraine war and broader international relations.

Why was the Munich Security Conference ironic?

1. The U.S. and Russia discussed Ukraine without involving Ukraine and Europe.
2. Previously, Europe and the U.S. held a peace summit excluding Russia.
3. The U.S. accused Europe of suppressing right-wing politics while having interfered in democratic processes before.

What are the U.S. and Europe’s contradictions on security?

1. U.S. Criticism of European Efforts in Ukraine: The U.S. has criticized Europe for not doing enough to resolve the Ukraine conflict, despite the U.S. itself having contributed over $110 billion, including $65 billion for ammunition.
2. Push for European Defense Independence: The U.S. urges Europe to take more responsibility for its security but has historically resisted European efforts to organize their own defense, complicating the relationship.
3. Nord Stream Pipeline Sabotage: The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines by Germany’s allies, purportedly under U.S. influence, forced Germany into a dependent position on U.S. energy supplies, showing a strategic manipulation of European energy security.

Why is migration a critical issue in Europe?

1. Europe’s liberal policies enabled radical groups like Al Qaeda’s Hamburg Cell and LTTE terrorists to exploit open societies.
2. Right-wing parties are gaining popularity as a reaction to migration and cultural shifts.
3. U.S. criticism of European migration policies contradicts its previous stance on extremism.

How is Western interventionism affecting global stability?

1. Regime Changes Supported by the West: Western interventionism, such as support for regime changes in Afghanistan and Syria, undercuts the Western narrative of promoting democracy.
2. Criticism from India: India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has called out the West for claiming to support democracy while backing non-democratic forces, particularly in the Global South.
3. Division in UN Over Ukraine: The division between the U.S. and Europe in the UN General Assembly vote on Ukraine illustrates deep fractures in their alliance, highlighting the inconsistencies in their foreign policies.

Is the U.S.-Europe partnership over?

1. Despite tensions, the trans-Atlantic alliance remains crucial, especially against the Russia-China partnership.
2. The U.S. might be using pressure tactics for better negotiations rather than permanently withdrawing.
3. Europe needs to rethink its policies on security, migration, and foreign relations.

Question for practice:

Examine the contradictions in U.S. and European policies regarding democracy, security, and migration, and their impact on global stability.