Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has called for a change in political discourse during a talk at the Sydney Opera House. Now residing in Sydney, Ardern discussed societal polarization and the importance of empathy in politics.
Speaking alongside author Anna Funder on Sunday, Ardern criticized current political strategies that she believes exacerbate division. She emphasized the need for leaders to avoid binary thinking and violent rhetoric. "We have a responsibility not to engage in binary thinking, not to engage in the language of violence, [but] to rebuild trust by building financial security in a time of deep insecurity, " she stated.
Ardern linked the rise of global insecurity to the backlash against institutions like the World Trade Organization. She argued that political responses, such as Brexit, have only intensified these feelings, paving the way for leaders like Donald Trump. "There are things we could be doing but, right now, we’re making it worse, not better, " she added.
Having moved to Australia earlier this year, Ardern recently bought a house on Sydney's northern beaches and announced her role as a lecturer and mentor at the University of Sydney. Her talk, advertised as a discussion on whether people can disagree without division, highlighted the deepening polarization in public discourse.
Ardern pointed out that the current climate makes it difficult to engage with opposing views. "It’s not just that you hold a different opinion, it’s that you hold it so deeply that you have this view you’ve got moral clarity that is not being held by the other person, " she explained. This mindset, she argued, hinders problem-solving and meaningful dialogue.
The discussion took place shortly after an alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines, though Ardern did not directly reference the incident. She stressed the importance of leaders being conscious of the tone they set. Social media, she noted, complicates the ability to change opinions, as it records and preserves views over time.
Reflecting on her own political journey, Ardern recalled entering New Zealand's parliament in 2008 as the youngest MP and the first with a social media presence. Initially enthusiastic about direct voter communication, she later recognized the potential for information manipulation, particularly after the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019.
"A domestic terror attack came to our shores by someone who was radicalized on YouTube and who broadcast that mania in order to incite violence amongst other white supremacists using Facebook, " she said, describing her realization of social media's weaponization.
Ardern observed that mistrust has been growing for years, manifesting in voter grievances and insularity. She criticized politicians for failing to address these issues, resulting in a "crisis of trust" and a "crisis of leadership."
As part of the solution, Ardern advocated for empathy in politics. "What empathy brings to politics is a thing that we’re missing now. It brings humility, it brings curiosity, " she remarked. She suggested that increased humility could significantly improve political interactions.
