“Far from integrating the world into a peaceful and prosperous community, globalisation has often intensified conflict and widened the gap between rich and poor.” Susan George
Over the past few years, there has been a concerning rise in the use of culture and identity politics as weapons. Political leaders, ideologues, and radicals exploit cultural identities, exacerbating division, fear, and animosity. They worsen existing tensions and increase global divisions by taking advantage of disparities in race, religion, ethnicity, and national identity, ultimately provoking bloodshed. The utilisation of culture as a tool for aggression has emerged as a powerful influence, transforming national political environments and fuelling the spread of animosity on a global scale. It has impacted not just Western civilisations but also inspired growth in non-Western countries, particularly South Asian societies and countries.
Identity Politics: A Double-Edged Sword
Identity politics, based on group identification, has historically empowered underprivileged communities but can also lead to divisions and hostility. In cultures that embrace pluralism, the focus on distinct identities can create a binary mindset that separates “us” from “them.”(The Guadian, March 1, 2018)[i] Political actors fostering radicalisation can amplify this mindset. Identities are being used as tools of violence and exclusion globally, with a particular influence in South Asia. Political leaders and extreme organisations manipulate cultural, religious, and ethnic identities to consolidate power and justify acts of violence. The widespread adoption of social media platforms has amplified regional conflicts and spread false information, leading to incidents of mob violence and communal unrest. For example, Donald Trump’s rhetoric appealed to white identity politics, raising apprehensions about immigrants and the perceived threat posed by immigrants. Hate crimes surged in 2017 and onwards in America, targeting minorities, particularly Muslims and Latinos (AP, April 2, 2024)[ii].
The Rise of Ethno-Nationalism and the Globalization of Hate
The use of culture and identity for political purposes is not limited to the United States. In Europe, ethno-nationalist parties like the National Rally in France, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, and Law and Justice Party in Poland have used identity politics to promote xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes (Balfour et al., April 24, 2024).[iii] These parties believe that immigrants, particularly those of Muslim background, threaten their cultural integrity and national identity. It has led to a rise in hate crimes, particularly in Germany, where hate crimes against immigrants increased by 20% in 2019. The rise of far-right and nationalist parties in recent European elections has been driven by the strategic use of identity politics, mainly focusing on anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and anti-LGBTQ+ discourse (Riaz, S. 2023)[iv]. The AfD exploited immigration concerns in Germany’s 2021 federal election, resulting in a significant increase in hate crimes, specifically targeting Muslims and Jews. The rise of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, Sweden Democrats, Hungary’s Fidesz party, and Poland’s 2020 election also exemplified this trend (Baldini et.2023)[v]. The manipulation of cultural and identity-related anxieties has transformed political environments and resulted in a concerning surge in hate crimes and societal fragmentation. These events are not limited to the US and Europe but occur worldwide. Due to increased global connection, the narratives and rhetoric are idealised and replicated domestically in developing societies.
In South Asia, there has been widespread adoption of global narratives to align with domestic political agendas such as #IslamicTerrorism, #Fundamentalist, #Jihadist, #UrbanMaoist. In India, Hindu nationalism has escalated, using Hindu identity to pit Hindus against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. The 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act and Assam’s National Register of Citizens were seen as attempts to marginalise Muslims, leading to public protests and violence, such as the Delhi riots in 2020. Hindu nationalist agenda has inspired far-right Hindu organisations in the US and the UK, exposing the potential for regional identity politics to spread global hatred (The Hindu, July 20, 2024)[vi]. Thus, Identity politics in India have been used to marginalise the Muslim minority through Hindu nationalism.
In Pakistan, religious fanaticism and identity politics have resulted in the oppression of Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis. The utilisation of religious identification as a means of inciting violence has resulted in tumultuous demonstrations and the exoneration of individuals, illustrating the exploitation of religious identity for political advantage and the use of force against those who question the Islamic narrative (Mehfooz M., 2021)[vii]. Burma has had a significant institutional setback due to the implementation of nationalist policies that have excluded the Rohingya ethnic group, which has now become a part of a neighbouring state (Sudheer, Banerjee, 2021)[viii]. The country has seen challenges related to the politicisation of identity, namely regarding the Rohingya refugee crisis. This crisis has broken domestic peace and has further destabilised one of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Since its establishment in 1971 (Firdaus et. 2024)[ix], Bangladesh has effectively utilised ethno-nationalist enthusiasm, dismissing dissent by discrediting them as ‘Razakaars’.
Social Media and the Amplification of Cultural Weaponization
The impact of social media on the worldwide spread of hatred cannot be disregarded. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have become conducive environments for disseminating polarising identity politics. Algorithms engineered to enhance user involvement frequently give priority to provocative content, such as hate speech and xenophobic sentiments (Suresh et. 2023)[x]. An illustrative instance is a 2019 investigation published by The Guardian, which emphasised that Facebook’s algorithms were employed to instigate violence in Myanmar. In this context, hate speech targeting the Rohingya community proliferated without restraint, so exacerbating the situation that the United Nations has classified as a genocide. WhatsApp has gained a reputation in India as a prominent platform for spreading false information and promoting hate speech, with a specific focus on attacking Muslims and Dalits (Farooq, 2018)[xi]. A study conducted by New York University revealed that the dissemination of false information through the messaging platform WhatsApp played a significant role in inciting mob violence and lynchings targeting the Muslim community in India. These examples demonstrate the role of social media in intensifying the weaponisation of culture, hence increasing the worldwide accessibility and pervasiveness of hate.
The Way Forward
Identity politics has led to a cycle of hate, exclusion, and violence, with political actors using cultural identities to divide and strengthen power. It has resulted in increased communal violence in South Asia, exacerbating social differences and spreading global hatred. Addressing this issue requires promoting cultural diversity, regulating hate speech, and promoting common human values. Governments and social media must implement stricter measures to curb false information and promote global cooperation. Multilateral organisations like the United Nations and the European Union should advocate for policies safeguarding marginalised communities while addressing socio-economic disparities.