Modi exemplifies a post-globalization archetype: European Analyst
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Analyst Gonzalo Fiore Viani calls Modi’s fusion of Hindu nationalism, development drive, and geopolitical pragmatism a crucial model for emerging multipolar world
By TRH Global Affairs Desk
NEW DELHI, July 7, 2025 – A compelling X thread by analyst Gonzalo Fiore Viani delves into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s complex leadership, probing how his blend of religious nationalism, economic modernization, and independent foreign policy mirrors broader shifts in global power dynamics.
Viani is a University Professor and an advisor to the San Marino ambassador in Argentina. He wrote a long thread on Modi in the backdrop of the Prime Minister’s visit to Argentina, a first in decades.
Tracing the political journey of Modi, Viani stated: “Born in Gujarat in 1950, Modi cut his ideological teeth in the RSS, later entering politics via the BJP, a party grounded in Hindutva. His 2014 ascent to power marked a historic shift: the first non-Congress leader to win a majority in decades.”
According to Fiore Viani, Modi’s staying power springs from more than charisma. He has positioned himself as a humble tea-seller challenging liberal elites, employing populist rhetoric while simultaneously promoting a modernization agenda, said the European analyst. He linked the following attributes to Modi:
- Cultural Nationalism: Key steps include revoking Kashmir’s special status and passing the Citizenship Amendment Act, shaping a robust Hindu identity.
- Economic Outlook: Initiatives like Make in India and Digital India point to a country aspiring for manufacturing strength and tech innovation, all while maintaining protective stances on sensitive sectors.
- Modi’s governance “integrates India into global capitalism without relinquishing political control,” notes Fiore Viani.
Foreign Policy: Strategic Autonomy
“Modi’s global diplomacy reflects a smarter non-alignment, balancing ties with the U.S. and Quad allies, while maintaining neutrality on Ukraine and maintaining links with Russia and Muslim-majority countries,” wrote Fiore Viani.
His leadership during the 2023 G20 Summit—notably in securing the African Union’s permanent membership—demonstrated India’s assertive voice in the Global South and challenged both Western and Chinese dominance, added the analyst.
A Model of 21st-Century Leadership
Fiore Viani compares Modi to other populist-nationalist leaders like Erdogan, Putin, and López Obrador but emphasizes Modi’s uniqueness as the head of the world’s largest democracy, with enduring electoral legitimacy and functioning institutions.
“Admired by conservatives for his discipline and order, Modi also faces criticism from human rights groups for curbing press freedom and minority rights,” stressed Fiore Viani. In this democratic-authoritarian ambiguity, his legacy is being shaped, he added.
Post-Globalization Realities
Viani argues Modi exemplifies a post-globalization archetype: identity-driven, sovereign-focused, and pragmatically global. “His leadership diverges from the liberal consensus, preferring a realist, multipolar approach,” added Fiore Viani.
He also mentioned that “with rising powers challenging Western norms, Modi-led India is asserting itself as a civilizational power, ready to claim its rightful place on the world stage.”
While the world reconfigures into a multipolar order, Fiore Viani’s thread spotlights that Modi is guiding India to not only respond to this shift—it is exemplifying it, emerging as a model for nations seeking development and influence without compromising sovereignty.
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