Last Thursday the auditorium of Tilburg University formed the stage for the 2010 Nexus-symposium The Return of the Ghosts. Keynote speaker, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature Maria Vargas Llosa, opened the afternoon with a lecture on the main theme; the re-emerging monsters of fascism, nationalism and populism.

The symposium, in which speakers often referred to the current political situation with Geert Wilders, drew a lot of media attention and was sold out immediately. Still, students, seated at the front rows and the only ones allowed to ask questions, were given a prominent place at this important symposium.

Following Llosa’s inspiring opening lecture, in two debates, intellectuals and politicians from the Netherlands, Europe as well as the US, shed their light on the issues raised by the Nobel Laureate. Naturally, attention was paid to the ‘problem’ of Islam and the rise of Wilders in the Netherlands. How are we to explain the popularity of this right-wing, Islamofobic populist?

Especially the Dutch politicians tackled the issue by referring to the enormous influx of immigrants in the 1960‘s, the failures of past governments to adapt institutions to these minorities and their reluctance to develop a strict migration-policy.

Fundamental anxiety

However, lawyer and member of the Dutch senate Britta Böhler, stresses that this discussion misses the point. In the light of internationalisation, globalisation and the emergence of supranational bodies such as the European Union, people in the Netherlands, as well as in other Western countries, are afraid. Böhler states there is a widespread fear of ‘losing something like the Dutch identity, whatever that may be’.

The threat of the Islam then, is not really what is at stake; the hatred against Muslims is an expression of a much deeper, more fundamental anxiety.

A similar conclusion was already drawn in the preceding discussion by Eszter Salgó, professor of International Relations in Rome. She noted that the world is in a transition-period, leading to feelings of insecurity, which are intensified by the recent economic crises. Within this process of transformation both identities as well as core concepts of democracy are being questioned and redefined.

To do so, to identify ourselves, we need ‘the other’; and this is exactly what explains Wilders’ success. The politician emphasizes the distinct ‘otherness’ of Muslims, thereby easing the anxious minds of citizens in search of stability and a secure sense of identity.

Mario Vargas Llosa

In his opening lecture Mario Vargas Llosa shared his fear of a growing complaisance and apathy towards the returning ghosts. We should not be blinded by their strength and initial appeal, but recognise that they are merely the easy way out. How convenient it is to simply blame Muslims, Jews, gypsies, homosexuals and others for crises and insecurity; and, how short-sighted it is too.

Llosa’s speech, strengthened by strong opinions of several debaters, might be seen as a call upon society: Make no concessions to those that threaten our democratic ideals and culture of freedom. Not only governments, but all citizens should mobilise against the ghosts; and especially students, for they are the politicians of tomorrow. It is our task to face the real issues at stake and protect the most important accomplishments of Western society: Democracy and Freedom.

Yannicke Goris