The left–right narrative is the most universal macro-story to make sense of global politics. Although the political opposition between the left and the right originated in the West, it has now spread to all continents. Nation-states remain the primary locus of the politics of left and right, but the distinction has become a global divide that permeates foreign policies, transnational relations, and global governance debates. Building on the concept of the “narrative of the global,” this article combines insights from political sociology, political psychology, public opinion research, comparative politics, and international relations to unpack the global meaning of the left–right division. It shows how, across the world, the language of left and right helps social actors communicate about politics. Our contribution sheds new light on competing discourses of global policy and governance, and will hopefully stimulate a much-needed conversation between scholars and practitioners about the political foundations of global debates.
Policy implications
- Practitioners should interpret their actions and discourses, and those of others, as elements of a “narrative of the global,” that is, a macro-story that helps actors make sense of their place in the world.
- Practitioners should pay particular attention to the left-right narrative, which is much more powerful, resilient and universal than what is often assumed.
- Practitioners should not underestimate the strength and coherence of individual views of politics and policy. These views may be poorly informed, but they remain anchored in deep psychological traits and in visions that matter to individuals.
- Global politics practitioners should consider how the left-right distinction also plays out in authoritarian regimes.
- Practitioners involved in world politics should be aware that the globalist/sovereigntist division combines with the left-right opposition to create complex alliance patterns.
Photo by Anthony