Is social cohesion in Australia under threat?

It appears inevitable that a larger picture is emerging from these seemingly chaotic situations. This leads many to ponder if there is an underlying pattern connecting all these events to show a larger scheme. If so, whose motives are at play? Qui bono?

How can we make sense of all these occurrences, challenges, fears, and assumptions from a social cohesion perspective?

Social cohesion refers to connectedness and solidarity among different societal groups. It is often seen as the binding force that holds societies, social groups, actors, and forces together through a sense of belonging, shared commitment, common good, diversity, equal rights, and opportunities. Based on this definition, Australia has so far enjoyed a significant level of social cohesion through its constitutional and legal principles, policies, and world-class practices of multiculturalism.

However, cracks are starting to appear in Australian society, particularly with the growing sense of threat posed by right-wing violent extremism, along with other forms of violent extremism. Right-wing ideology is nothing new in Australia, but it has recently gained rapid attention with profound influence and increased capacity and capabilities to poses a direct threat to multiculturalism and social cohesion in Australia.

At present, there are three misconceptions surrounding the increase in right-wing extremism. The first misconception solely considers it from a domestic perspective, whereas the second misconception attributes it to either ideology or religion. Lastly, the third misconception undermines the gravity of right-wing extremism.

Firstly, domestic right-wing extremism is deeply intertwined, both ideologically and in other aspects, with a variety of factors like economic stability, political transparency, and social connections. Moreover, it is linked to different international right-wing entities, leaders, ideologies, and impacts. Instead of being seen as a standalone issue, it should be recognized as a reaction to global and local trends, movements, behaviours, and thoughts. This interconnectedness introduces a significant level of complexity and variety to the problem.

Secondly, it is crucial to recognize that right-wing extremism is not solely driven by ideological and religious factors. Existential concerns also play a substantial role, particularly the apprehension of being replaced by non-white races in the name of diversity, equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. This apprehension is largely intensified by the unregulated and unrestricted mass migration movements taking place in various English-speaking nations, where the white population has historically been the majority. As a result, it is not surprising that online platforms have witnessed a significant rise in conspiracy theories such as the Great Replacement Theory and Kalergi Plan. In the absence of a robust, sustainable, and fair migration policy, the situation deteriorates, providing validation and empowerment for right-wing propaganda.

Thirdly, the current government seems to fail to grasp the gravity of the risks and lacks a long-term strategy for social cohesion. It has not yet shown us any strategic plan nor addressed the threats at home transparently, apart from banning Nazi salute and hate symbols as a bandage approach and dumping the heads of ASIO and ASIS from its National Security Committee of Cabinet as a reckless measure.

As such, Australia is faced with the pressing issue of declining social cohesion, as these challenges are interconnected and reinforce each other. The Australian government bears the responsibility of openly, constructively, and strategically addressing these challenges and threats to social cohesion. The first essential step is to acknowledge the risks involved and understand that significant efforts are required both domestically and internationally to address the situation. Neglecting to prioritise this matter will ultimately result in a decline in our national security and identity, which are sustained by principles such as freedom, respect, fairness, the rule of law, and democracy.