In the early 21st century, particularly since the 2010s, right-wing political trends have visibly expanded across the globe. Right-wing shift refers to the societal movement toward conservative or far-right values and policies gaining support and moving toward the political center. It does not merely signify the rise of traditional conservative parties but also reflects a broader phenomenon encompassing hardline immigration policies, nationalist rhetoric, and authoritarian governance styles.

For example, in the United States, former President Donald Trump promoted an “America First” policy, garnering fervent support from a public disillusioned with political elites and progressive forces. In Europe, leaders such as Marine Le Pen (National Rally) in France, Giorgia Meloni (Brothers of Italy), and Viktor Orbán (Fidesz) in Hungary have gained traction by emphasizing anti-immigration, anti-multiculturalism, and skepticism toward the European Union. Similarly, in Japan and South Korea, conservative trends are rising through assertive diplomacy, anti-communism, and the revival of traditional values.

This rightward shift is not a temporary phenomenon confined to a few countries but a structural trend shared globally. It is closely tied to the desire to reclaim identity in uncertain times, and it is deeply rooted not only in political rhetoric but also in institutional changes and policy developments.

Surprisingly, the younger generation—historically inclined toward progressive politics—is now visibly shifting to the right in many countries. This trend contradicts conventional political theories and is becoming a central axis of political transformation across age groups.

In South Korea, for example, many male voters in their 20s and 30s have increasingly supported conservative parties since the late 2010s, driven by disappointment in progressive politics, anti-feminist sentiment, and hypersensitivity to fairness. In Japan, younger voters prioritize security and economic stability over liberal ideals and tend to favor the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. In France, Marine Le Pen’s hardline immigration policies are being embraced by young voters as more “realistic” alternatives.

This phenomenon stems from several interconnected factors:

* Economic insecurity: Employment instability, rising housing costs, and the collapse of social mobility have heightened young people's sensitivity to fairness, fostering distrust in progressive policies perceived as ineffective.

* Identity fatigue: The expansion of “identity politics” advocating for minority rights—such as those of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants—has provoked a backlash, often perceived as reverse discrimination, triggering conservative counter-reactions.

* Online culture and algorithms: Social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok promote political polarization. Right-wing content that is emotionally charged and easy to digest spreads rapidly among the youth.

This is not merely a trend toward conservatism, but a form of cynical detachment from the political system and a kind of counterattack against perceived societal failures.

Right-wing governance becomes evident when the political system’s core shifts toward conservative values and hardline policies. Politicians strategically harness public anxiety and anger, reflecting these sentiments in increasingly authoritarian governance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán explicitly advocates for “illiberal democracy” and has strengthened control over the judiciary, media, and universities. The Trump administration in the U.S. labeled the media as “the enemy of the people” and used executive orders to curb immigration, consolidating presidential power. Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro delegitimized environmental groups, women’s rights activists, and indigenous advocacy organizations as “leftist elites” and undermined their influence.

In South Korea, debates around prosecutorial and police power restructuring, alleged bias in the national broadcasting commission, and ideological disputes over history textbooks reflect intense political polarization. Political groups in power often emphasize “order” and “stability,” even at the cost of institutional neutrality and pluralism.

While the initial turn toward right-wing governance may serve as a strategic electoral maneuver, it holds the potential to erode the foundational principles of institutional democracy over the long term.

The rise of right-wing politics cannot be explained solely by conservative party gains or the popularity of right-wing discourse. Structural changes across society have created a psychological and institutional environment that encourages people to adopt more conservative views.

* The backlash against globalization: Labor market flexibilization, increased immigration, and the decline of traditional industries have led to identity loss and economic distress among the middle and lower classes. These groups are more susceptible to narratives that scapegoat immigrants, minorities, and free trade.

* Widening inequality and the collapse of the social ladder: In many countries, access to education, housing, and healthcare has become increasingly restricted. Feelings of despair among lower classes often turn into resentment, which manifests more strongly as right-wing populist anger than leftist calls for reform.

* Technology and social media algorithms: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter simplify political discourse, amplify emotionally charged messages, and prioritize extreme content. This creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories, anti-immigration rhetoric, and mass manipulation.

* Heightened state control post-pandemic: COVID-19 led governments to impose unprecedented restrictions on daily life, movement, and economic activity. Public fatigue and resistance to these controls have been channeled by far-right politicians into calls to “reclaim freedom.”

Right-wing populism can thus be seen as the political manifestation of a collective instinct for protection and psychological stability. It is not merely an ideological shift but the consequence of broken social trust, blocked upward mobility, and the erosion of communal solidarity.

Is the rightward shift a temporary trend or the structural realignment of global politics? While it is difficult to determine its long-term viability, several key projections and possible responses can be explored:

* Entrenchment of political polarization: The weakening of centrist parties and the entrenchment of ideological extremes is becoming a stable trend. The middle ground in political discourse is vanishing, replaced by antagonistic and competitive partisanship.

* Pressure on and transformation of democracy: Liberal democracy is increasingly challenged by authoritarian populism, leading to structural changes that cannot be reversed by elections alone. Independent constitutional courts, judicial systems, and the press are the last lines of defense.

* Strategic failure of the progressive camp: Progressives have lost appeal in terms of economic policy and class-based issues, particularly after focusing heavily on identity politics. Without regaining practicality and inclusiveness, they will struggle to counteract the right-wing surge.

* The role of civil society and education: Education that fosters political neutrality and critical thinking, along with balanced media coverage, is essential. The long-term viability of democracy depends on the political maturity of the citizenry.

The world is likely to continue wrestling between “conservative liberalism” and “authoritarian populism.” During this process, elements of right-wing ideology may become institutionalized, while counter-reactions may emerge in new forms.

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Right-wing populism is not a passing ideological fad. It is a complex outcome of globalization’s downsides, accumulated inequality, public distrust in political elites, and drastic changes in communication structures. The conservative turn among youth and rightward shift of governments mirror a deeper structural anxiety. Simple binary frames such as “progressive vs. conservative” are no longer sufficient to address this phenomenon.

What we are witnessing is not merely a change in politics but an era demanding a redefinition of citizenship, democracy, and social solidarity. To move forward, we must cultivate new political imagination and the art of inclusion that transcends factional conflict.