Try GOLD - Free

Battle for West’s identity intensifies in the US, UK

Hindustan Times East UP

|

October 02, 2025

One element of our current global crisis is an internal western struggle for securing the identity of the West. Although it has been building up for years, two developments in recent days have given it a new momentum within the West and greater global visibility.

- Atul Mishra

The first was the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an influential Right-wing American activist and media personality described by his supporters as a "plumbline Republican". The second was the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in the UK, led by far-Right activist Tommy Robinson, who has served multiple prison sentences in the past. The rally saw the participation of over one lakh people, one of the largest in the UK's recent history.

Kirk and Robinson are part of an increasingly large number of individuals, groups and organisations - some more prominent and influential than others - who believe - in varying degrees of strength - that the West as an idea and a force in human affairs is facing an existential threat. One of them is Elon Musk. Speaking to the UK rally through a video-link, Musk said: "Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die." The subtext was Kirk's assassination.

Partisans of this struggle believe that the West is a civilisation, and amongst the finest that humanity has seen. Its roots lie in classical Greece and Rome. It is held together by the Christian faith. It was nourished by the European Renaissance and modernised by the Enlightenment. Its politics is marked by democracy and freedoms, foremost amongst the latter being the right to free thought and speech. Its founders are White people who are God fearing, family-oriented, industrious, and enterprising.

MORE STORIES FROM Hindustan Times East UP

Hindustan Times East UP

Starring: India’s best chefs

PR or influencer hype can't compete with excellence on the plate. Food Superstars's list of India's top 60 chefs proves that culinary genius speaks for itself

time to read

5 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

Back to the future: Reimagining the world of Indian IT

The US's H-IB squeeze is a reminder of the opportunity and potential for world-class innovation for Indian IT at home even as it doubles down on existing partnerships abroad and striking new ones

time to read

4 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

The enigma of leaving

A figure in Giorgio de Chirico’s 1914 painting, The Enigma of Departure, stands as if caught between two worlds.

time to read

3 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

Sending out the wrong message

It is in poor form for Opposition leaders to criticise the government on foreign shores

time to read

2 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

FOUR MAJOR PSBS RAISE LIMITS FOR INVESTING IN STATE BONDS

At least four major state-owned Indian banks have increased their internal limits for investing in state bonds following discussions with the Reserve Bank of India last month, according to five treasury officials aware of the decisions.

time to read

1 min

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

Hindustan Times East UP

Pagodas and paradoxes

A fascinating, if depressing, read, Bertil Lintner’s The Golden Land Ablaze provides a thorough analysis of the troubles in contemporary Myanmar

time to read

4 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

Hindustan Times East UP

Get your cheap frills here

Preloved fashion is no longer second-best. It's curated and one-of-a-kind. See how thrifters are making resale hauls look cooler than fresh drops

time to read

3 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

‘Children everywhere are ready to care’

The winner of the Neev Book Award on writing books on social equality and justice, and keeping hope alive

time to read

2 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

Praveen Kumar

Paralympic athlete, @Praveen_Paralympian

time to read

1 mins

October 04, 2025

Hindustan Times East UP

In poll-bound Bihar, signs of politician Prashant Kishor

In Rajgir, Bihar — once the capital of the Magadha Empire—amid its hot springs, cut out caves, Buddhist monasteries and gentle undulating fields, I witnessed a dramatic and discernible shift in Indian politics.

time to read

4 mins

October 04, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size