The Aporia
The Aporia
How the West’s promise of freedom created a world of anger. (2026, September 6). Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/video/deja-vu-2/2026/9/6/how-the-wests-promise-of-freedom-created-a-world-of-anger?traffic_source=rss
“How the West’s promise of freedom created a world of anger.” Al Jazeera, 6 Sept. 2026, https://www.aljazeera.com/video/deja-vu-2/2026/9/6/how-the-wests-promise-of-freedom-created-a-world-of-anger?traffic_source=rss.
“How the West’s promise of freedom created a world of anger.” Al Jazeera, September 6, 2026. https://www.aljazeera.com/video/deja-vu-2/2026/9/6/how-the-wests-promise-of-freedom-created-a-world-of-anger?traffic_source=rss.
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Pankaj Mishra argues that the promise of freedom made by the West during the Enlightenment has led to a world where anger and resentment dominate. This anger is a result of the collision between Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality, and the realities of empire, nationalism, and capitalism. According to Mishra, when these promises are broken, it creates a sense of betrayal that can lead to global unrest. He suggests that as countries in the Global South, such as those in Asia and Africa, adopt Western ideals, they may turn these values back on the West itself, fueling anger and resentment among Western populations. This phenomenon is exemplified by the widespread protests and anti-globalization movements seen around the world today. Mishra's book, "Age of Anger", explores this idea in more depth. The implications of this are that the promise of freedom made by the West may ultimately backfire and lead to a cycle of anger and resentment.