Global Dialogues

Milei is hardly the first to aggressively undermine public services and social safety nets. They truly mirror strategies observed in other settings where right-wing populist politicians use financial crises to ram through neoliberal policies. To put it another way, Middle Eastern governments that have simultaneously tightened authoritarian restrictions and pursued economic liberalization agendas include Mohammad bin Salman in Saudi Arabia and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt. Like Milei, these officials place a higher priority on austerity and privatization initiatives under the pretense of economic efficiency, which frequently exacerbates social inequality and marginalizes marginalized populations.

Donald Trump's administration in the United States revealed a distinct aspect of right-wing populism that placed a strong emphasis on nationalism and cultural conservatism. Milei’s emphasis on corporate interests and economic deregulation was echoed by Trump’s policies during his administration, which included tax cuts for the wealthy and the deregulation of environmental protections. Both leaders advanced policies that benefited elites at the expense of the general well-being of society, capitalizing on populist rhetoric to appeal to isolated voters.

The cultural and social backgrounds of these movements vary greatly, despite the fact that they have similar neoliberal economic goals. Milei’s attacks on the LGBTQI+ and feminist movements in Argentina are part of a broader pushback against social movements that have gained momentum in the last several years. On the other hand, right-wing leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) frequently employ nationalist and religious narratives to quell opposition and keep power. Additionally, Trump frequently framed immigrants and members of racial minorities in the United States as threats to economic stability and national security in his statements.

The opposition to such authoritarian and neoliberal inclinations endures notwithstanding these distinctions. Whether in Argentina, the MENA area, or North America, grassroots movements are still fighting against these practices and supporting democratic changes and inclusive social programs. Such global comparisons underscore the global reach of right-wing populism as well as the complex local responses that influence political environments across the globe. Understanding these dynamics is essential because it will help progressive groups stand together and even drive the world closer to a more equitable and democratic future.

Zahra Saboorzadeh (SFS’25) is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University in Qatar.