Religion, Capitalism and Democracy

The election of Narenda Modi of the BJP is the logical expression of the global neoliberal economic project. As inequality, climate chaos and conflict over scarce resources increases the pressure on the fragile fabric of global society, we see xenophobia and religious/ethnic sectarianism spread exponentially. The burgeoning newly educated class of India, mostly young and ambitious, came out in record numbers to support the pro-corporate Hindu nationalist who promises de-regulation and growth. Their "education" has included indoctrination into the virtues of capitalism, the glories of Krishna and resentment at The Other, in this case Muslims, for holding back their personal prosperity and material success. They dream of "mountains and mountains of things" ,as the Tracy Chapman song goes. In the Ukraine we see fierce sectarianism based on language and culture. A xenophobic right-wing is in ascendency as it exploits economic tensions and the collapse of basic institutions. We could say much the same dynamic is playing out in Syria, Egypt and other countries caught in the backlash of the so-called Arab Spring. Here Islamic fundamentalism thrives and spreads south to Nigeria, Sudan, Yemen and beyond, far faster than the USA and Europe can build drone bases. Extreme drought brought upon by anthropogenic climate change is changing the landscape and social relations on an unprecedented scale. The US is not far behind. Religious fundamentalism and scapegoating of The Other are growing with the uncertainty and fear. Expect to see heightened rhetoric about threats to "our way of life" in the election season as people continue to believe they can elect their way to security. I keep a picture on my office wall of the ecstatic youth celebrating after the election of Barack Obama and imagine the youth of India also continue to believe in Hope and Change through capitalist "democracy".