A significant factor in this "strongman" narrative is the influence of the Indian diaspora. Many unusually wealthy Indians living in the U.S. or U.K. cheer when India stands up to Western leaders. Their focus is emotional—seeking the pride of a "strong India" from the comfort of their adopted homes. However, these elites are dangerously out of…

Across all these traditions, a small minority of extremists sometimes distort religious teachings to justify violence. This is not unique to any one faith. In recent decades, for example, some fringe groups have invoked highly selective interpretations of jihad to justify suicide attacks, claiming spiritual reward. Mainstream Islamic scholars…