The Spanish political scientist, academic, and writer Fernando Vallespín argues that currently the future no longer represents the hope of a paradise, but rather a dystopia where nightmares accumulate. He refers to the concern that future generations may live with fewer rights and insecurity regarding their pensions. He also highlights the populist discourse that appeals to the defense of national identity and traditional values in contrast to a globalized world without borders.
Vallespín points out that the left appears bewildered by the loss of ground to more competitive sectors and young people who support far-right policies. He attributes the success of populism to the existing discontent in a society divided between winners and losers in the era of globalization. He warns that the populist discourse seeks to revert to an idealized past, with secure borders and preservation of a supposed ethnic-cultural cohesion.
Regarding current challenges, Vallespín mentions job uncertainty, the impact of climate change on the economy, and concerns about migration. He describes the anxiety of the stagnant and humiliated middle classes, as well as the loss of leadership of the Western world in a changing global scenario. He emphasizes the importance of preserving democratic values and human rights in the face of populist discourses that seek to restrict them.
The academic highlights the need to find solutions to current problems without falling into the temptation to yield to xenophobic populist agendas. He warns about the importance of not losing credibility in center-right or center-left parties by adopting extreme positions. He emphasizes global competition in sectors like technology and the need to invest in education and training to face new economic challenges.
Finally, Vallespín warns about the danger of seeking scapegoats in times of social unrest and populism, stressing the importance of protecting individual rights and freedoms in an increasingly competitive and changing world.
