More than ever, modern political leaders across the globe are issuing statements that defy logic, science and history. Yet, instead of facing ridicule, these figures are frequently met with applause from their supporters.

Last week, when Polish foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski claimed that Poland could swiftly defeat Russia in a direct conflict, political commentators across the United States and Europe met his remarks with mild mockery. However, within Poland, social media exploded with enthusiastic endorsement. Rather than facing critical pushback, Sikorski’s exaggerated claim was embraced as gospel by supporters. This perfectly illustrates how readily absurd political rhetoric is now absorbed.

In a 2019 interview, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while discussing India’s air strikes against Pakistan, explained that he advised military officials to launch the attack despite heavy rain and cloud cover. He ‘reasoned’ that clouds would block Pakistani radars. Even though radars operate via radio waves rather than visual sight, his supporters championed the assertion as an example of “military genius.” Modi’s historical claims are often even more surreal, such as his declaration that the birth of Karna in the ancient epic Mahabharata proves that test-tube baby technology was invented in ancient India.

In a live 2021 television QnA, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attributed rising sexual violence to women wearing “vulgar” clothes. He argued that “men are not robots” and that “if a woman wears very few clothes, it will have an impact on the men.” When he was criticised by women activists, his supporters (including many women) rallied around him, asserting that his critics were trying to undermine “traditional cultural values.”

In an age of algorithmic outrage, identity politics and collapsing trust in institutions, the most outrageous claims can become expressions of loyalty and powerful instruments of persuasion

In an age of algorithmic outrage, identity........

© Dawn (Magazines)