Amidst the global rightward shift in politics, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy (FdI), has firmly established herself as a practical cornerstone and new leader of the European right, buoyed by stable governance. [Reuters=Yonhap News]

1. The Virtues and Mission of Politics

The goal of politics is Guk-ri-min-bok (國利民福), which signifies the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of the people. This implies that the essence of political order (政序) lies in providing the people with a prosperous life (厚生) and utilizing national resources effectively (利用). - Book of Documents (Shujing), Counsels of the Great Yu

In other words, the reason for a nation's existence is to solve the people's livelihood problems and ensure their happiness.

Furthermore, the means of politics is Bu-guk-gang-byeong (富國强兵, a wealthy country and a strong army), which serves as a realistic instrument to achieve national prosperity and protect the community from external threats. - The Guanzi and Xunzi’s "Strong State" chapter

Regarding the methods of politics, Wi-min (爲民, working for the people) and Yeo-min-dong-rak (與民同樂, sharing joy with the people) are emphasized. This is the pinnacle of "Minbonism" (民本主義), where the power and wealth held by political leaders should not be used for personal amusement, but rather to wipe away the tears of the people and share in their joys. - Mencius, King Hui of Liang (Part II)

2. The Problems of Left-Wing Politics from a Comparative Perspective

Regardless of time or place, any legitimate political force should uphold the three principles mentioned above. However, global left-wing politics today is seriously distorting these rightful "goals, means, and methods."

Left-wing politics often floods the system with populist policies that drain the national treasury simply to secure votes. "Seizing and maintaining power" becomes the goal itself, rather than serving the prosperity of the nation and its people.

Instead of sharing joy with the people, it turns into a "festival for themselves," enriching only their ideological comrades or interest cartels. In this process, the rule of law is neutralized, and constitutional values or national security are often relegated to objects of compromise just to protect their power.

3. U.S. President Trump’s Speech on the Concept of the 250th Anniversary of Independence

President Trump emphasized that the United States is the greatest achievement in human history and a beacon for the entire world, and that it has entered a "new golden age" that is stronger, wealthier, and safer than ever before.

He likened communism to the greatest enemy and a cancer to be cured, delivering a strong anti-communist message that the United States would never become a communist nation.

4. The Global "Domino Effect" of Rightward Shift

Currently, a total rightward shift (Right-Shift) is appearing globally, not only in Europe but across Latin America, alongside the collapse of incumbent left-wing (globalist) regimes in several countries.

The Prominent European Rightward Domino Phenomenon

First, the most powerful phenomenon shaking the recent European political landscape is undeniably the rightward domino effect, stretching from Western to Northern and Eastern Europe.

The centrist, pro-environmental, and pro-immigration regimes that previously led the existing system are showing sudden fatigue. That space is being filled, like falling dominoes, by right-wing parties advocating for national priority, strict anti-immigration policies, and traditional values. Recent surveys show the momentum is so strong that one in four European voters (about 23%) is casting their ballot for far-right parties.

In the UK, Keir Starmer’s Labour government saw its approval ratings plummet to record lows (–46% as of the end of 2025) due to failures in controlling immigration, mismanagement of energy issues, and poor public service reform. Facing a crushing defeat in the May 2026 local elections and intense pressure to step down from both inside and outside the party, the government effectively collapsed after announcing his official resignation.

In France, the National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, has emerged as the largest single party in the National Assembly, threatening President Macron’s centrist government. This serves as a symbolic case where the initiative in French politics is effectively shifting to the right.

In Germany, the approval rating for the hard-right AfD, which has opposed refugees and green regulations, has surpassed 21%. Following their second-place finish in last year's general election, they are growing rapidly, now eyeing the potential formation of their first-ever far-right state government in upcoming elections.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy (FdI), has fully established herself as a practical anchor and new leader of European right-wing forces based on stable governance.

In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) caused a major upset by taking first place with 29% of the vote, and in Portugal, the far-right Chega party is expanding its influence with fierce momentum, shaking the political landscape. In Poland, support for right-wing parties has reached 73%.

"Environmental/Inflation Fatigue" and the Limit of "Immigration/Refugee Conflict"

The rapid eco-friendly policies (Green Deal) and energy transition costs pushed by the European Union (EU) have returned as anger among the working class and farmers.

Additionally, as real wages for households declined due to persistent high interest rates and inflation, voters flocked to right-wing candidates who called for deregulation and the protection of domestic industries, arguing, "The environment of the distant future is meaningless when it is hard to make a living right now."

Furthermore, the moderate refugee accommodation policies maintained by past centrist and left-wing regimes have caused side effects such as increased crime rates, job competition, and rising social costs. As cultural and social conflicts exploded due to illegal refugee inflows, the right-wing's calls for stricter refugee control and swift deportation gained strong public support.

"Popularization of the Right" Permeating the Institutional Sphere

In the past, right-wing parties in Europe were often dismissed as dangerous forces to be avoided. Recently, however, they have pursued strategic changes, refraining from radical demands like EU withdrawal and focusing strictly on people's livelihoods and security.

As a result, their ideology has been rapidly normalized among the media and the public, creating an environment where even established mainstream parties are forced to adopt right-wing agendas, such as stricter immigration control, to win votes.

In summary, the European "rightward domino" can be seen as the result of voters choosing a realistic breakthrough of national priority and security when existing mainstream politics failed to provide solutions amidst sluggish economic conditions and cumulative refugee issues.

The Latin American Rightward Domino: The Blue Tide

The most key keyword currently penetrating the Latin American political landscape is the rightward domino effect toward a "Blue Tide."

Hard-right politician José Antonio Kast, often called the "Trump of Chile." [AP=Yonhap News]

The Blue Tide refers to the phenomenon where the Pink Tide (the era of moderate left-wing governments that championed "welfare" and "big government") is rapidly declining, and that space is being taken over by right-wing and conservative regimes that advocate for market economies and strong law and order.

In Argentina, the inauguration of the staunch right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei fired the starting signal for the rightward shift in Latin America.

In Ecuador, entrepreneur-turned-President Daniel Noboa, and in Paraguay, President Santiago Peña, took office one after another, shifting toward market-friendly policies.

In Bolivia, where the left had dominated for decades, a conservative-leaning Rodrigo Paz regime has taken office, and in Chile, hard-right candidate José Antonio Kast, known as the "Trump of Chile," achieved a landslide victory in the presidential election.

In Colombia, a right-wing candidate supported by U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed victory in the recent presidential election, and a change of power to the right in Peru is also considered certain.

In Brazil, the right-wing Bolsonaro faction is pressuring the Lula government by controlling local elections and the legislature, and the recapture of power by the right in the next presidential election is increasingly becoming a foregone conclusion.

In Venezuela, the left-wing regime has effectively collapsed with the arrest of Maduro, and the downfall of the communist regime in Cuba is also imminent.

The Blue Tide is the Result of the Incompetence and Corruption of Left-Wing Regimes

Past Latin American Pink Tide regimes engaged in excessive fiscal spending and populist price controls. The results returned as horrific economic stagnation, a collapse in currency value, and murderous inflation. The anger of the middle class and youth—that ideology does not provide bread—led them to flock to right-wing candidates who promised a return to the market economy.

Currently, the most lethal weapon swaying Latin American voters is security. As daily safety collapses due to violence from drug cartels and gangs (maras) and the influx of illegal immigrants, voters are becoming enthusiastic about hard-right leaders like El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who pledges strong, dictatorial crackdown operations.

Synergy with America’s "Trump Effect"

President Trump has actively supported and sponsored right-wing candidates in Latin America. Recently, he has been solidifying diplomatic and security ties, such as forming the "Shield of the Americas," an alliance with Latin American right-wing leaders to combat criminal cartels in the Americas.

In summary, the Latin American Blue Tide rightward domino can be viewed not merely as a change in ideology, but as a cold judgment by voters against left-wing regimes that failed to resolve long-accumulated economic hardship and security instability, and a realistic choice for survival.

◆ Dr. Shin Dong-chun

Doctor of Public Administration, Representative of the Freedom Unification National Union. After passing the 21st Public Administration Examination and serving in public office, he has been actively engaged as a corporate CEO, university professor, media contributor, author, and President of the Global Aerospace Industry Society.