Modi and Netanyahu: Similar Political Paths and Ideological Power In recent times, Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu have emerged as two figures on the global political stage who are often identified by various political analysts as having striking similarities in their governance styles, nationalist ideologies, and shared political trajectories. Many political analysts suggest that Modi has "copied" Netanyahu's political strategies and governing approach. Ideological Alignment: Hindutva and Zionism Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fundamentally based on the ideology of Hindutva, which envisions India as a Hindu Rashtra, where Hindu beliefs and culture play a central role. Similarly, Netanyahu's Likud party and his government are founded on the ideology of Zionism, which conceives Israel as a national home for the Jewish people. Both ideologies emphasize combining religion and nationalism to forge a strong national identity. This ideological congruence has brought the two leaders closer, especially after Modi came to power in 2014. India, which historically supported the Palestinian cause, has significantly strengthened its ties with Israel during Modi's tenure. Populist Political Style and Strategies Both leaders adopt a populist political style, which involves leveraging public emotions for political gain. There are several key similarities here: * Exploiting Religious and National Conflicts: Both leaders have stirred up religious and ethnoreligious conflicts within their respective nations. Modi is accused of pursuing divisive politics against Muslim minorities in the name of Hindutva, while Netanyahu is accused of demonstrating hostility towards and suppressing the rights of Palestinians and Arab minorities. Both have created an "us" versus "them" narrative, where "their own nation" is elevated and "the other" is demeaned. * Pressure on Media: Both governments face accusations of targeting independent media and labeling it "the enemy." Modi and Netanyahu have both fostered media outlets that support their governments and have suppressed those who criticize them. * Control over Government Institutions: Many political analysts suggest that leaders like Erdogan (Turkey), Modi, and Netanyahu have attempted to weaken political institutions and strengthen government control over them. This includes pressure on the judiciary and electoral bodies. * Promoting Security and Nationalism: Both leaders have made national security and nationalism the bedrock of their political platforms. India and Israel have both faced security challenges in their respective regions and have used these challenges to showcase their political competence and gain public support. Modi used strikes against Pakistan to garner public support in the name of nationalism, while Netanyahu has adopted a hardline stance on the Palestinian issue. Agreement in Global Politics The alignment between Modi and Netanyahu is evident not only in their domestic politics but also in their international relations. Both countries are close allies of the United States, and both have collaborated extensively in anti-terrorist operations and defense technology. These relations are currently at their highest level. Criticism and Impacts While Modi and Netanyahu's supporters view them as strong and decisive leaders, their opponents and human rights organizations severely criticize their policies. This criticism focuses on weakening democracy, suppressing minority rights, and escalating regional conflicts. Some analysts even go as far as to say that Modi, influenced by Israel's "settler colonial project," has adopted similar policies in Kashmir. Conclusion Despite different political and social backgrounds, there are striking similarities in the political strategies and ideological perspectives of Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu. Both leaders have built their political power on religious nationalism, and their governance styles are often described as populist and divisive. This alignment has not only impacted the internal politics of their countries but has also created new dimensions in international relations.
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