The Struggle for Liberal Values
Putin’s war in Ukraine, as well as in Sub-Saharan Africa and various operational theaters in the Middle East, has the potential to severely shake the consensus in Western societies. While the Ukrainian conflict underscores Russia’s imperialistic approach, Western societies remain divided over providing assistance to Ukraine and other theaters due to historical reasons. The ripple effects of such conflicts continue to provoke refugee movements, challenging the resilience, solidarity, and liberal values of Western societies.
Recently, Vladimir Putin, the perpetrator of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine, presented himself as a champion against colonialism both at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg and the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. He invoked a shared history of fighting Western colonialism in the past but also combating present Western neo-colonialism. Yet, considering Russia’s role on the African continent, the staging is questionable.
Instead of supporting democratic movements in Africa, Russia supplies stumbling regimes with weapons and mercenaries – and in return exploits its gold and diamond mines. Moreover, the war in Ukraine ultimately reflects Russian imperialism, reminiscent of past colonization of neighboring Southern and Central Asian regions, or as the Russian neo-imperial (Soviet) speak would refer to as “liberation.”
Populist Strategies and Sociopolitical Dynamics
Putin exploits “useful idiots” (Lenin) who oppose the perceived Western global domination in Africa and Europe. The battle over narratives has long since reached Western society, where military support for Ukraine’s defense meets resistance from both the left and right of the political spectrum. Echoes of the 1970s détente policy successes, as well as old Soviet memories along with admiration for Putin’s assertiveness and anti-Western attitudes, inspire support among radical leftists and right-wing populists before and after February 24, 2022. This alliance of strange bedfellows is not surprising, given the shared stances, even on refugee policy (such as Sahra Wagenknecht’s position in Germany’s Left party).
Both the war in Ukraine and Russian mercenaries’ actions in Africa, the Middle East, and Libya have triggered refugee movements. The deliberate consequence of these events is to expose Western societies to sociopolitical and democratic stress tests, seeking to undermine the liberal consensus over the rule of law. This perspective further underscores the intent to limit, if not block, or even overturn Western societies’ liberalism, along with strengthening anti-Western populist parties.
Scientific expertise highlights the central role the perception of migration and its societal consequences play. Parliamentary elections, such as the ones in Switzerland this fall, allow us to measure the range and depth of sociopolitical consensus on migration and refugee policy. Ahead of the election campaigns, during an interview, migration researcher Ruud Koopmans (NZZ am Sonntag July 30, 2023) argued that asylum procedures should either be relocated to autocratic states such as Morocco, Tunisia, or Turkey, or directly to Rwanda, similarly to the British government’s recommendations pending judicial approval. In general, courts and the rule of law appear to hinder such agreements. The interview with the Dutch expert appears initially solution-oriented, but ultimately reveals a bias against non-European refugees, suggesting the Geneva Refugee Convention was not designed for them (“…it is meant for people fleeing directly from one country to a neighboring country.”).
The populist undertone intensifies in the Saturday edition of the NZZ’s editorial, published a day earlier. The left wing’s support for less-educated Muslim asylum seekers and the judicial challenges of their repatriation are said to empower right-wing populist parties. The editorial’s author deliberately stirs anti-Muslim sentiment quoting also the Dutch expert, who reportedly claims that refugees arriving post-2015 are mainly responsible for homicides and sexual offenses in Germany (NZZ 29.7.2023).
Societal Resilience – a Global Challenge
It is crucial to critically examine well-presented arguments while anchoring them in a sociopolitical context to foster discernment and strengthen independent judgment. Acquiring knowledge about empirically tested social attitudes also remains essential to critically assess the above statements. A recent German study (SVR Policy Brief 2023-2) confirms the presence of selective solidarity, contingent on the refugees’ attributes. The reality, indeed, is complex: Ukrainian refugees seem to be shown more solidarity than those from Syria or Nigeria. Christian, female, and well-educated refugees are more likely to be helped than Muslim, male, and poorly educated ones. Interestingly, refugees showing intention to stay are more likely to gain a protective status. The study’s findings also show that significant segments of the population are willing to stand up for refugees actively. As refugee numbers rise, the study’s authors emphasize the potential for support not only for those from Ukraine but also for those seeking protection outside of Europe.
Citizens may exercise their prerogative to distinguish among immigrants at all times. However, it would be wrong to underestimate how many also recognize the value of a society based on the rule of law and universal solidarity. This framework protects not only personal interests but also the welfare of the vulnerable who need help. Attacks on this cornerstone of our quality of life persist, both internally and externally. The radical populists and extremist groups’ calls to transform the liberal constitutional state into an “illiberal democracy” remain powerful, jeopardizing individual rights. This drive finds support from both waning powers like Russia and rising ones like China. Eager to maintain dictatorial control, they oppose all democratic liberal experiments nearby, as seen in their aggressive foreign policy. The forthcoming years will undoubtedly bring turbulence and test us in all fields, especially in migration policy. The future will reveal whether we as a society are able to develop and defend our idea of fair coexistence, both internally and internationally, while avoiding the double standards that have plagued us in the past.
Gianni D’Amato is professor at the University of Neuchâtel, director of the nccr – on the move, and director of the Swiss Forum for Migration and Population Studies (SFM).
