In recent years, the world has witnessed a pronounced ideological shift across Western democracies. Commonly referred to as the “Death of Liberalism” and the “Rise of Conservatism,” this transformation extends beyond partisan politics, encompassing fundamental changes in societal values, governance priorities, and international policies.

This shift is not only significant in the Global North but also carries profound implications for the Global South nations across Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, shaping their economic, political, and cultural trajectories in lasting ways.

Since the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, liberalism has long been the dominant ideology in the West, championing individual freedoms, market-driven economies, secular governance, and an interconnected global order. However, this ideology now faces several crises:

Liberalism’s emphasis on free-market capitalism has contributed to an unprecedented concentration of wealth among a few individuals. The 2008 financial crisis, followed by an uneven economic recovery, exposed vulnerabilities in this model. 

Many citizens in developed nations, particularly those in blue-collar sectors, feel neglected by the liberal promise of prosperity, as income gaps widen and job opportunities diminish due to offshoring and automation. This has eroded confidence in liberal economic policies, with many people yearning for the change that conservative rhetoric often promises.

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Since the September 11 attacks, the West has increasingly focused on security, sometimes at the expense of individual freedoms. Heightened concerns over terrorism and migration have led to tighter borders, surveillance, and restrictions on civil liberties, sparking an ongoing debate about the balance between security and liberal freedoms. For many, liberalism has failed to reconcile these concerns, leaving space for conservative policies to step in.

As Western societies grew more diverse, progressive policies promoting inclusivity and multiculturalism were seen by some as a threat to traditional cultural identities. A backlash has emerged, with segments of society viewing liberalism’s agenda on issues like gender, race, and immigration as divisive. This disillusionment has fueled nationalist and conservative movements that seek to “restore” traditional values and curb what they perceive as overreach by liberal elites.

Once unified under broad values, the liberal political sphere has fragmented into ideologically distinct factions. Governance has often stalled, exacerbating public discontent. As liberalism splinters, conservatism has gained ground by presenting itself as a more cohesive, pragmatic alternative.

The rise of conservatism

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, liberalism’s perceived failings have allowed conservatism to gain popularity. This resurgence is reflected in the rise of movements that reject the values championed by liberals.

One key feature of this shift is the rise of economic nationalism, even in countries traditionally seen as champions of liberalism. Conservatives and far-right populists have embraced economic policies that prioritize domestic industries over globalization. 

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Movements such as Brexit and “America First” signal a shift away from liberal globalism toward protectionism, with policies aimed at preserving jobs and reducing reliance on foreign markets.

Conservatives are often seen as advocates for “law and order,” supporting tougher border policies, stricter immigration controls, and bolstered law enforcement. Amid growing concerns over public safety and social unrest, this hardline stance appeals to those dissatisfied with liberalism’s more permissive approach to crime and civil liberties.

Conservatives advocate for policies that emphasize family, national identity, and religious values, often pushing back against rapid social reforms. This revival of traditionalism has found support among those who feel alienated by liberal cultural agendas. It has also led to policies restricting immigration and preserving cultural heritage.

Furthermore, conservatives frequently market their policies as practical solutions to everyday issues, contrasting them with what they perceive as liberal idealism. This pragmatism resonates with voters who are frustrated with liberalism’s inefficacies and political correctness.

Is it a relief for the Global South?

This ideological shift from liberalism to conservatism in Western democracies, while significant, could offer a range of potential benefits and opportunities for the Global South. As Western priorities evolve, developing nations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia may find unique advantages in this changing global order.

With the rise of conservative values prioritizing national sovereignty, the Global South may experience less pressure to conform to Western liberal norms. This shift could provide these nations with greater autonomy to shape policies based on local needs and values, fostering governance systems that are culturally and contextually relevant.

Conservative economic policies that favor bilateral over multilateral agreements could allow the Global South to pursue more tailored, mutually beneficial trade relationships. Developing countries might secure better terms and diversify their trading partners, reducing dependence on single markets and fostering more resilient, diversified economies.

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As Western powers pull back from multilateral frameworks, the Global South may find opportunities to take the lead in forming regional coalitions and partnerships. South-South cooperation could expand, with neighboring nations collaborating on shared challenges from climate resilience to health infrastructure thereby strengthening regional integration and solidarity.

The retreat from liberal multilateralism and the rise of bilateral relations provide the Global South with more diplomatic flexibility. Developing countries may now negotiate agreements that respect their values and interests without being tied to broader Western agendas. This could lead to customized partnerships that support sustainable development goals, including renewable energy, agriculture, and technological innovation.

Conservative ideologies often prioritize domestic stability and economic growth over interventionist foreign policies. This could create space for nations in the Global South to focus on their own developmental agendas, without the usual preconditions tied to foreign aid and influence. Countries may direct resources toward infrastructure, healthcare, and education that align with their specific national objectives.

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With the rise of cultural traditionalism in the West, the Global South may also have an opportunity to reinforce and celebrate its own cultural heritage and traditions. As Western societies become increasingly receptive to the preservation of cultural identities, this shift could encourage Western support for heritage conservation, indigenous rights, and locally inspired educational and governance systems in developing nations.

Furthermore, as western nations embrace conservatism, the Global South may benefit from forging new partnerships with emerging powers like China, Russia, and other non-Western economies that prioritize economic collaboration over ideological alignment. These alliances could provide access to technology, infrastructure investment, and economic partnerships without the liberal conditions historically imposed by Western aid.

In conclusion, the “Death of Liberalism” and the “Rise of Conservatism” in the West, rather than representing a setback, may provide the Global South with a pathway to greater self-reliance, stronger regional ties, and innovative approaches to development.

This ideological realignment offers developing nations the chance to pursue a future shaped by their own priorities and aspirations, enabling them to establish resilient and locally rooted governance models in an evolving global landscape.

Thomas Joel Kibwana is an international relations and business development expert. He is available at thomasjkibwana@gmail.com or on Twitter as @tkibwana. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com for further inquiries.