Trudeau And The Liberal Order Are Out: What Comes Next?

The political order that once seemed dominant across the Western world is rapidly unraveling, and the recent events in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States are nothing short of harbingers of a seismic shift.

The resignation of Justin Trudeau in Canada, the political and social crisis under Keir Starmer's Labour government in the UK, the collapse of the German government with the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the successful return of Donald Trump to the US presidency signal a profound moment of reckoning for the liberal order that has dominated the West for much of the post-war era.

The Resignation of Justin Trudeau

Once the darling of progressive politics, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation is a stark reflection of the growing political exhaustion with the liberal elite. In his tenure, Trudeau championed progressive policies on climate change, gender equality, and multiculturalism.

As Trudeau’s government struggled to respond to an increasingly vocal populist opposition, his inability to reckon with rising public dissatisfaction ultimately led to his political downfall.

The Liberal Party’s embrace of a generous immigration policy—championed by Trudeau as essential to Canada’s multicultural identity—has sparked an escalating backlash, with critics pointing to violent crimes committed by immigrants, including serious incidents of sexual violence.

Rather than engaging in a meaningful dialogue, Trudeau’s government initially downplayed these concerns, pushing a narrative of inclusion without addressing the real-world consequences. This led to a growing schism between the ruling class and the electorate, culminating in his resignation and the disillusionment of many who once viewed him as the face of progressive politics.

Immigration, Europe, and the Undoing of Liberalism

In the UK, the situation is equally troubling. Under Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK is facing a deep political crisis, driven in part by the explosive issue of immigration.

The country has seen a surge in public outcry following reports of mass sexual assaults committed by immigrant grooming gangs, particularly in urban centers. For many, these crimes represent the tragic consequences of lax immigration policies, which were championed under the guise of multiculturalism and social justice.

Keir Starmer, who has long portrayed himself as a moderate alternative to the divisive politics of the past, is now being accused of failing to protect the public by confronting the issue head-on. Rather than addressing the concerns of ordinary Britons, his government has been accused of prioritizing political correctness over the safety and well-being of citizens. Public trust in Starmer’s ability to govern is plummeting as he grapples with mounting criticism, and Labour’s grip on power is becoming increasingly tenuous.

The response from Starmer’s Labour government—deflecting blame, prioritizing narratives of tolerance over security, and labeling critics as bigots—has further fueled the resentment of voters, many of whom feel their legitimate concerns are being ignored.

The backlash is growing, and the Labour government’s ability to maintain power is increasingly in doubt. For many, the failure to confront the realities of immigration-driven violence and the broader challenges of integrating diverse populations has proven to be Starmer’s undoing.

Across the Atlantic, the situation in Germany is equally dire. The German government is in freefall, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition unraveling amidst internal strife, economic stagnation, and rising public discontent.

Meanwhile, the once-described-as “far-right”, AfD is surging in the polls, as many Germans grow increasingly disillusioned with the mainstream political parties that have overseen the country’s drift towards an unsustainable immigration policy and a weakened national identity.

What began as a movement on the fringe has now gained mainstream appeal, a stark reminder of the increasing backlash against the liberal consensus in Europe.

The Rise of Donald Trump

Meanwhile, in the United States, the return of Donald Trump to the White House marks the culmination of the populist ‘Make America Great Again’ movement that has gained unprecedented strength in the past few years.

Trump’s victory represents a rejection of the liberal consensus that had come to define the US and much of the West in the post-World War II period. His policies—focused on nationalism, economic protectionism, and skepticism of American interventions in conflicts abroad—are now seen as increasingly legitimate by large swaths of the population, who are frustrated by the failures of traditional politicians.

In the face of rising crime, border insecurity, and economic stagnation, Trump’s promise to put American citizens first resonates more powerfully than ever.

The Collapse of the Liberal Order

Taken together, these developments represent more than just the political decline of individual leaders—they signify the unraveling of the liberal order that has shaped the West since the mid-20th century.

The collapse of the German government, the rise of the AfD, and the struggles of the UK and Canadian governments to deal with growing public discontent are symptoms of a broader crisis of legitimacy. Once united by a shared belief in democracy, individual rights, and the promise of progress, Western nations are now witnessing the erosion of these values in the face of rapidly changing social, political, and economic realities.

The liberal order, in many ways, is losing its grip on power. The promises of inclusivity, tolerance, and open borders have not been accompanied by practical solutions to the challenges that these policies have created.

As immigration, identity, and national security take center stage in public debates, the old ideological frameworks of the left and right are being tested in ways that are increasingly difficult to ignore.

The political elite’s failure to address the concerns of ordinary citizens, from violent crime to the erosion of national identity, has paved the way for populist movements that are now shaping the future of the West.

Whether it is Trump’s ascension, the collapse of Labour under Starmer, or the rise of far-right parties in Europe, the liberal order is on the defensive. The question is no longer whether this order will survive, but what will replace it.

Rise of the Global Right?

For decades, the liberal order has been a global phenomenon, promoting democratic values, free markets and international cooperation. In contrast, conservative movements have historically been more domestic, reacting to local issues like immigration, economic policy, and national identity.

However, with figures like Elon Musk gaining global influence, the question arises: can the right-wing populist surge form a truly global movement, akin to the left-wing model funded by global elites for years?

Elon Musk, with his vast wealth, influence, and control over platforms like X, is positioning himself as a key figure in this potential realignment. His advocacy for free speech, disdain for legacy media, and criticism of the liberal establishment resonate with right-wing populist movements worldwide.

Musk, along with other tech moguls and financial elites, is disrupting the traditional media landscape and empowering new conservative voices across borders, creating the possibility of a more coordinated global right.

Can Musk and his allies replicate the model long utilized by the global left? For years, the left has been funded and supported by a network of financial elites, NGOs, and institutions often referred to as the "deep state," with figures like George Soros playing a prominent role in shaping international policy and supporting progressive causes. The left's success has been driven by its ability to mobilize resources and shape narratives across borders, from immigration advocacy to climate change initiatives.

Now, the global right appears to have found its own financial and media champions in Musk and his cohort. With their substantial wealth and ability to influence public opinion through media platforms, they can fund campaigns, shape narratives, and support right-wing candidates globally.

Whether this movement can gain the same traction and coordination as the global left remains to be seen. But with the resources and influence at their disposal, Musk and his allies may well be positioned to reshape global politics, much as the deep state and its financial backers have shaped the left-wing agenda.

The New Political Landscape

As the liberal order falters, the future of the West is uncertain. In many ways, the question now is how the West can forge a new path that addresses the concerns of its people while holding on to the essential values of democracy, individual liberty, and rule of law.

The liberal elites who once seemed all-powerful are being challenged by a populist surge that shows no sign of abating. Whether this leads to a new era of political fragmentation or to a resurgence of nationalism and protectionism remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: the fall of Justin Trudeau, the crisis under Keir Starmer, the collapse of the German government, and the rise of Donald Trump, and along with him Elon Musk, represent the unraveling of an era.

The liberal order may be crumbling, but what comes next will be the true test of the West’s political future. The West finds itself at a crossroads, and the path it chooses will define its trajectory for generations to come.