The Global Right Lost Its Way. This Is the Way Back.


Hello Reader,

When is the last time you saw a major media outlet describe a global right-wing leader as simply "right" without a "far" or "hard" qualifier before it?

The media lumps together a remarkably diverse spectrum of “global right” movements under one dismissive umbrella. In doing so, they miss its extraordinary breadth—from libertarian reformers in Buenos Aires to constitutional conservatives in Rome.

The Pretenders: How the Right Went Wrong

Maybe you've been called far-right for wanting lower taxes. Maybe you've been told you're a bigot for having concerns about illegal immigration or gender surgery for children. But maybe you're also repelled by leaders who intimidate journalists, jail opponents, and abandon democratic norms.

You're not alone.

The principled right once stood for limited government, free trade, free markets, and individual liberty. It stood against dictators. It defended democratic institutions. That tradition now lies abandoned by those embracing authoritarian methods.

Viktor Orbán seized his nation’s judiciary, wrested control of its media, and rigged Hungary’s elections. Jarosław Kaczyński packed courts and dismissed independent judges in Poland. Nayib Bukele replaced El Salvador's Supreme Court with loyalists and jailed over 75,000 people without due process. Jair Bolsonaro is on trial for plotting a coup to stay in power after he lost Brazil's 2022 election.

These examples—now embraced by the MAGA right in America—aren't conservative governance. They're authoritarian capture.

The Champions: The Right Done Right

Contrast these with leaders embracing genuine right-wing principles.

Javier Milei inherited Argentina's economic catastrophe: 276% inflation, 45% poverty, massive deficits. His response? Libertarian shock therapy. Slash spending. Eliminate price controls. Cut subsidies. The results speak: Argentina's first fiscal surplus in 12 years, monthly inflation crashing to 1.5%, poverty plummeting, economic growth returning.

This is what the right can accomplish when it believes in people over power.

Pierre Poilievre demonstrated principled opposition in Canada, promising to eliminate bureaucracy while respecting democratic norms before Trump’s trade war cost him the election. Giorgia Meloni, despite flaws, has implemented conservative policies within Italy's democratic framework. Daniel Noboa promises to save Ecuador from rampant crime without hurting democracy.

The Global Right's Rise - and Fall?

Recent years witnessed an extraordinary conservative surge as voters rebuked left-leaning parties over unchecked migration, profligate spending, and rampant inflation. Outsider conservatives won shock victories from Argentina to Italy. But 2025 brought correction: several democracies swung left, signaling pushback against Trumpian extremes.

The lesson? Voters want results, not rhetoric. They'll support right-wing policies that foster prosperity and freedom—but abandon those who fail to deliver.

Finding Common Ground with the Left

When I talk to my liberal friends, I start by saying we want the same things. We both want human beings to flourish with equal opportunity. We want to reduce poverty. We want all people to live in freedom and dignity.

Our disagreement isn't about ends—it's about means.

The right—at its best—believes in people. It trusts that individuals will innovate, strive, reach their potential. It believes they know what's best for their families better than distant bureaucrats. It is aspirational. It believes voluntary arrangements between free people create prosperity.

And freedom works. Hundreds of millions escaped poverty after India won independence and embraced democracy. China lifted more people from destitution than any nation in history after Deng Xiaoping unleashed free market forces.

In my view, modern liberalism inverts this optimism—assuming people need government guidance in their personal choices, their economic decisions, their family arrangements. That bureaucrats and experts somehow know better than millions of individuals making their own informed choices about their own lives.

A Manifesto to Reclaim the Global Right

What kind of right do we want? The right that liberates—not dominates. That builds—not bullies. That believes—not controls.

Thus, I stand ready to support any global movement on the "right" that:

Believes every human being yearns for freedom. From the protesters in Serbia to the democracy activists in Hong Kong to the dissidents in Havana.

Believes in merit. In effort. In striving. We don't promise equal outcomes—but we fight for equal opportunity.

Embraces Jefferson's wisdom: "Government is best which governs least." The burden of proof falls on those wanting government to do more, not less.

Heeds Madison's warning against "the accumulation of all powers in the same hands." Strong judiciaries. Strong legislatures. Strong executives. Each checking the others.

Welcomes immigration as strength. Nations confident in their values embrace those who share them.

Defends common sense on gender while caring for all people. Biological men shouldn't compete in women's sports, but compassion and clarity aren't mutually exclusive.

Affirms that strong families make strong communities but yields to individuals the right to love and marry without government interference.

Champions free trade over protectionism. When governments pick winners and losers, consumers pay the price and global prosperity suffers.

Defends religious freedom for all—as long as it doesn't harm others.

Protects press freedom. Liberty is always the more powerful idea—make your case rather than silencing opposition.

Faces fiscal reality. Communicate challenges honestly. End generational theft through ballooning debt. Spend responsibly.

Ensures due process for citizens and immigrants alike. Rule of law means nothing if it doesn't apply equally.

Promotes national pride without xenophobia. Love of country strengthens rather than threatens love of humanity.

Makes democracy and human rights pillars of foreign policy. Stand with those fighting for freedom.

Abandons transactional diplomacy. Promoting global liberty serves our long-term interests better than cutting deals with dictators.

Forms unbreakable alliances of true democracies. End democracy, lose your seat at the table.

The Path Forward

Picture this future: A global right that kneels beside pastors in Kenya, marches with unveiled women in Iran, shields protestors in Hong Kong, and wields the chainsaw of reform in Argentina.

A global right that builds prosperity through freedom, not fear. This is the movement the world needs. The movement history demands.

Let them call it "hard". Let them call it "far". It doesn’t matter.

All I want is for everyone to be free.

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Eric Erdman

Editor of Dispatches from the Rebellion — a weekly newsletter covering freedom movements around the world. After 25 years in IT, I’ve dedicated my life to telling the stories of those risking everything for freedom. Each issue delivers sharp global updates, threats to American democracy, and profiles of the heroes fighting back. If you believe freedom is worth fighting for — you're in the right place.

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