Water Security in a New Age of Nationalism

Aug 14, 2018 | Giulio Boccaletti
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The idea of a “new middle” or “third way”—a blend of neo-liberal economic doctrines and social policies that was supposed to overcome the dichotomy between mixed economy and free market paradigms—more or less dominated U.S. and European politics for the last two decades. But today, this centrist consensus has been upended by a wave of populist, nationalist parties. Many have won over their electorates by questioning the benefits of free trade and globalization (as well as the international institutions that espouse them), while pursuing expansionary domestic economic policies. The impact of this political agenda on economic performance and public welfare remains to be seen. However, one of the first tests for nationalist leaders may be the ability to meet the water needs of their countries.