In an era where "post-truth" and "Big Brother" have transcended fiction to become disturbing reality, Orwell's vision stands as relevant as ever
In his seminal work *1984*, George Orwell posits that "those who control the present control the past; those who control the past control the future." This powerful assertion underscores the terrifying consequences of manipulating history and truth. In the dystopian world of *1984*, the ruling Party wields absolute power by constantly rewriting history to align with its agenda, erasing inconvenient truths, and ensuring that its version of reality is the only one that exists. This manipulation of truth is key to maintaining the Party’s unchallenged dominance, as it keeps the population ignorant and compliant.
As we examine contemporary international politics, it is impossible to ignore the striking parallels between Orwell's dystopian vision and our current reality. Concepts such as “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “post-truth” have transcended Orwell's novel and become disturbingly relevant in today's world. The manipulation of truth, pervasive surveillance, and the rise of populist authoritarianism are phenomena that closely mirror the dangers Orwell warned against.
The term "post-truth" has become a defining characteristic of modern political discourse, echoing Orwell’s portrayal of a world where objective truth is malleable. In *1984*, the Ministry of Truth constantly altered historical records to match the Party's shifting narrative, keeping the populace in a state of ignorance and making it impossible for them to challenge the Party's authority. Today, the concept of post-truth is equally relevant. In 2016, the Oxford Dictionary even named "post-truth" the Word of the Year, highlighting its prevalence in contemporary discourse.
In this post-truth era, emotional appeals and personal beliefs often overshadow objective facts, making it easier for those in power to manipulate public opinion. Politicians and media outlets selectively present information, distort facts, or even fabricate narratives to support their agendas. This erosion of truth creates a divided society, much like the world Orwell depicted, where consensus on basic facts becomes increasingly elusive.
Orwell's concept of “Big Brother” — the omnipresent surveillance state that monitors every aspect of citizens’ lives — is also frighteningly relevant today. In *1984*, the Party uses telescreens and hidden microphones to ensure that no dissenting thought or action goes unnoticed, fostering a climate of fear and paranoia that effectively silences opposition. In our contemporary world, mass surveillance has become a reality on a global scale, with governments implementing extensive surveillance programs under the guise of national security.
The revelations by Edward Snowden in 2013 exposed the extent to which governments were spying on their citizens, collecting vast amounts of data on phone calls, emails, and internet activity. The boundaries between state and corporate surveillance are increasingly blurred as tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon collect vast amounts of data on users’ online behavior, often with minimal transparency.
Today's populist leaders have mastered the art of doublethink, often making contradictory promises or statements that their followers accept without question. They may decry the "elite" while simultaneously benefiting from elite status themselves or champion "freedom" while implementing policies that curtail personal liberties. This ability to manipulate and distort reality is a hallmark of populist rhetoric, much like it was for Orwell's Party.
The rise of populism in the 21st century has also brought a resurgence of authoritarian tendencies. Leaders who once espoused democratic values increasingly resort to autocratic measures to consolidate power. Whether it's the undermining of judicial independence, the suppression of the free press, or the erosion of checks and balances, these actions mirror the totalitarian regime depicted in *1984*.
Orwell's *Animal Farm*, while serving as an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union, offers themes that are universally applicable. The story of the farm animals’ rebellion against their human oppressors, only to find themselves under the tyranny of their fellow animals, is a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of power and corruption. In contemporary politics, the concept of “Snoopgate” — a term used to describe politically motivated surveillance scandals — is reminiscent of the betrayal and manipulation seen in *Animal Farm*.
Orwell's dystopian novels were products of their time, reflecting the anxieties and political realities of the 20th century. However, their relevance has only grown with time, as the themes they explore have become increasingly pertinent today. The rise of surveillance states, the erosion of truth, the manipulation of language, and the rise of authoritarianism are all issues that transcend national borders.
In China, for example, the government's use of technology to monitor its citizens has created a digital dystopia reminiscent of Orwell's vision.
The implementation of a social credit system, where citizens are scored based on their behavior and loyalty to the state, is a chilling example of how technology can be used to enforce conformity and suppress dissent. Similarly, in Russia, the government's control over the media and its use of propaganda to shape public opinion is a textbook case of Orwellian doublethink.
The global reach of Orwell's ideas is a testament to the universality of his concerns. Whether in the context of a liberal democracy or an authoritarian regime, the themes of *1984* and *Animal Farm* resonate deeply with those who value freedom and truth.
(The writer is an associate professor, views expressed are personal)
