In recent years, a significant anti-establishment wave has surged across many countries, shaking traditional political landscapes and challenging longstanding power structures. This phenomenon is characterised by widespread disillusionment with entrenched elites, who are increasingly perceived as being out of touch with the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. There is a growing demand for radical change, driven by frustration over economic inequality, political corruption and a lack of accountability. Citizens around the globe are expressing their dissatisfaction through protests, the rise of outsider candidates and support for policies that promise to disrupt the status quo and deliver more equitable governance.

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 epitomised the American anti-establishment turn. His rise was fuelled by widespread discontent with the political status quo, economic inequalities and a perceived disconnect between Washington elites and ordinary citizens. Trump’s presidency, marked by unorthodox policies and rhetoric, significantly disrupted traditional political norms and left a lasting impact on the Republican Party and American politics. “Drain the swamp” became a rallying cry, encapsulating the public’s frustration with perceived corruption and inefficiency in government. In a remarkable development, Trump’s popularity has surged phenomenally in the 2024 elections, underscoring the persistence of anti-establishment sentiment among a significant portion of the electorate.

Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump, struggled to position himself as a formidable opponent. His administration’s handling of several key issues played against him. Biden’s robust support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, while praised internationally, drew criticism at home for prioritising foreign issues over pressing domestic concerns. Additionally, his approach to the Palestinian issue, perceived as overly supportive of Israel, alienated progressive factions in his party and young voters, contributing to a narrative that he was out of touch with significant portions of the electorate.

Biden’s difficulties in unifying the Democratic Party and addressing economic challenges further eroded his standing, making it difficult for him to counter Trump’s growing influence.

The Brexit referendum in 2016 marked a pivotal anti-establishment moment in the UK. A majority chose to leave the European Union, reflecting deep-seated frustration with political elites and a perceived loss of sovereignty. The subsequent political turmoil, including the resignation of several prime ministers and the rise of Boris Johnson, underscored the volatility and shifting allegiances within British politics. As one voter put it, “Brexit is about taking back control from a distant and unaccountable elite.” The recent political developments, including the challenges faced by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, testify to this ongoing trend and highlight the electorate’s desire for change.

Imran Khan’s ascent to power in Pakistan in 2018 signalled a break from the politics dominated by Bhuttos and Sharifs. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf capitalised on public anger over perceived corruption and economic mismanagement. It promised a “New Pakistan.” After his curtailed tenure, the challenges and the controversy persist. Khan had noted, “The people of Pakistan are tired of the same old politics; they want change.” Following his ouster from power in April 2022, the harsh treatment of his party members seems to have increased his popularity. Despite being jailed, Khan’s appeal continues to resonate with a significant segment of the population.

In 2017, the election of Emmanuel Macron, a political outsider who founded his own party, La République En Marche!, disrupted France’s traditional political order. Macron’s victory over far-right and far-left candidates highlighted a rejection of the established parties and a desire for a new political direction. However, his presidency has faced significant opposition, notably from the Yellow Vests movement, which protested economic inequality and perceived elitism.

The Yellow Vests movement, which began in late 2018, has emerged as a powerful grassroots protest against economic inequality and perceived elitism. Sparked initially by a fuel tax hike, the movement quickly expanded to encompass broader grievances, including high living costs, stagnating wages, and government policies seen as favouring the wealthy.

The distinctive yellow safety vests worn by protesters became a symbol of solidarity among those feeling marginalised and overlooked by traditional political institutions. The movement’s weekly demonstrations and clashes with police highlighted deep-seated frustrations with President Emmanuel Macron’s administration and its approach to economic and social issues. Macron’s words, “We need to renew our politics to restore faith in democracy,” resonated with many but he also faced criticism.

In this year’s elections, France continued its support against the establishment from across the political spectrum, as the NFP — a coalition of several parties from the extreme left to the more moderate — emerged with the most seats in the second round. Although this left France with a hung parliament, NFP’s seats were a clear signal against the far-right taking office.

Israel has faced increasing international condemnation, particularly from the youth across countries and continents. The ongoing conflict with the Palestinians and accusations of human rights abuses have galvanised global youth activism. Young people worldwide are calling for justice and an end to what they perceive as oppressive policies. “Free Palestine” has become a powerful slogan, echoing through protests from New York to Paris, highlighting the global resonance of the anti-establishment sentiment.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced a surprising challenge in recent elections and was unable to secure the landslide victory he had anticipated. This outcome reflects the growing sentiment that, as Margaret Thatcher once said, “The nappies and political leaders must be changed at regular intervals.” Modi’s experience underscores the volatility and the demand for renewal in the political arena.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid of Bangladesh is facing unprecedented opposition, particularly from students, highlighting broader dissatisfaction with her prolonged rule and allegations of authoritarianism, corruption and suppression of dissent. The student protests, initially against the quota for government jobs, are also demanding fair elections, educational reforms and justice, reflecting a desire for democratic accountability. “We are the future, and we demand a voice in shaping it,” declared one protester.

On Saturday (July 20), life in Dhaka halted as a curfew was enforced to suppress violent clashes between student protesters and security forces. The usually bustling city saw shops closed and streets empty, patrolled only by military personnel. Despite these measures, street battles continued late into the night. Strict internet restrictions were imposed.

According to The Washington Post, at least 110 people have died in the protests, including several police officers. Thousands have been injured. Mohammed Abir, a medical examiner, reported receiving 33 bodies on Friday evening. UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned the violence, calling for “impartial, prompt and exhaustive investigations” into the attacks on students and expressing concern about the government’s paramilitary police units’ actions. The protests erupted over a new policy reserving civil service jobs for ‘families of freedom fighters’ seen as unfair by the protesters.

Student leaders met with government officials to present demands, including an overhaul of the job quota system, resignations of certain cabinet ministers and trials for those responsible for student deaths. Abdullah Saleheen, a student activist, stated that protests would continue until the arrested students were released.

On Friday last, the US State Department issued a travel advisory for Bangladesh due to the unrest. That same day, protesters stormed a jail in Narsingdi, freeing hundreds of inmates. Police posts across Dhaka were set on fire as forces used tear gas, rubber bullets and smoke bombs to disperse crowds.

The government imposed a nationwide curfew from Friday night, with a brief window for public movement on Saturday. Internet and mobile services were disrupted, affecting banking operations and leaving much of the country unreachable. Officials claimed the internet slowdown was to curb misinformation, but digital rights groups argued that it would have the opposite effect. The Asia Internet Coalition warned that the shutdown could harm Bangladesh’s investment reputation. Several major textile companies announced closures for Sunday.

These anti-establishment movements share some common themes: a rejection of entrenched elites; demands for greater accountability; and a desire for systemic change. They underscore a global trend where traditional power structures are increasingly under scrutiny and challenged by diverse, often unconventional political forces. The words of an American protester perhaps capture this sentiment best: “We are tired of the same old faces and the same old lies. It’s time for real change.”

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.