Rethinking Democracy Ep. 5: Impact of Donald Trump’s Election on American Democracy and the World with Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Larry Diamond
Dec 5, 2024
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Larry Diamond, Mosbacher Senior Fellow at Stanford, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat, NYU Professor specializing in authoritarianism, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's recent election on democracy. They discuss the increasing challenges to liberal values and draw historical parallels with Mussolini's rise. The duo examines the psychological roots of Trump’s appeal, the normalization of militarization under authoritarian leaders, and how his governance might shape global democratic trends. Their insights highlight the urgent state of democracy today.
Trump's election signifies a troubling trend towards autocracy, raising concerns about the resilience of American democratic institutions amidst rising public distrust.
Historical examples of authoritarianism, particularly Mussolini's rise, illustrate how societal anxieties can empower populist leaders to challenge liberal democracy.
Deep dives
Global Democratic Context
2024 marked a significant year for global elections, with approximately 4 billion people voting across more than 60 countries, showcasing a vital moment for democracy worldwide. Despite a rise in voter participation, the results present a mixed picture for liberal democracy, particularly with the implications of the U.S. elections. The recent elections in Poland and Turkey reflect both setbacks and hopeful indicators as opposition movements gain traction against authoritarian regimes. However, the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. amidst these changes raises concerns over the future of democracy, suggesting that the global momentum towards democratic renewal may face significant challenges.
Historical Lessons on Authoritarianism
Understanding contemporary authoritarianism requires looking back at historical examples such as Mussolini's rise in Italy during the 1920s, which employed a reactionary and oppressive framework to dismantle liberal democracy. Mussolini capitalized on the societal upheaval following World War I, presenting fascism as a necessary counter-revolution against perceived corruption and radical changes in society. This historical context reveals that periods of significant social change often breed anxiety, allowing authoritarian figures to exploit fears and present themselves as saviors who restore order. The parallels drawn between Mussolini's tactics and modern populist movements underscore how authoritarianism continues to resonate with discontented populations today.
Trump's Unique Political Landscape
Donald Trump's rise in U.S. politics represents a confluence of factors that distinguish him from past populist leaders, including his adeptness as a communicator and his ability to exploit societal disruptions. Unlike previous demagogues, Trump's celebrity status and mastery of media allowed him to tap into the anxieties of a disillusioned electorate amid economic and social changes. The transformation of the Republican Party under his influence has weakened traditional political guardrails, enabling his ascent to the presidency and subsequent re-election. This shift illustrates a broader trend where party dynamics and public sentiment can facilitate the emergence of leaders with authoritarian tendencies, reshaping the political landscape.
Implications for U.S. Democracy
The electoral victory of Trump signals a potential shift towards autocracy, raising critical questions about the resilience of American democracy. While many voters may not explicitly support authoritarianism, Trump's continuous efforts to delegitimize democratic institutions and propagate his narrative have fundamentally altered public perceptions. The lengthy campaign of misinformation surrounding elections has conditioned many to distrust democratic processes, leading to a cultural landscape where autocratic leadership is increasingly normalized. The broader implications suggest that American democracy is at a crossroads, facing the potential for long-term consequences as authoritarian strategies gain acceptance among substantial segments of the population.
About the series: This is a critical year for the future of democracy. Half the world’s population will go to the polls in 2024, at a time when citizens in America and across the globe are losing faith in democratic institutions. We often view the rollback of democracy and threats to the liberal international order as separate problems, but in reality they are closely interlinked. Through a new limited podcast series, MEI’s Gonul Tol seeks to examine the interplay between democracy’s domestic and international foes as well as how to counter them. In this episode: Last month, the US electorate voted President-Elect Donald Trump back into the White House. His victory was seen by some experts as part of a global trend and a move towards anti-incumbency attitudes and populism.
How will Trump’s rhetoric impact the United States domestically and internationally? Will he govern as a strongman during his second term? What can we expect to be different from his first term?