What Trump and the American Right See in Foreign Autocrats
Oct 24, 2024
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Beverly Gage, a Yale historian and author of "G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century," dives into the surprising acceptance of foreign autocrats in U.S. politics, especially during Trump's presidency. She explores how historical admiration for dictators is woven into American political life. Gage also discusses the modern political shift towards authoritarianism, linking domestic grievances with the rise of foreign autocrats and drawing parallels to McCarthyism, revealing the intricate connections between past and present ideologies.
Trump's admiration for foreign autocrats reveals a historical continuity in American politics, showcasing the unsettling intertwining of nationalism and authoritarianism.
The contrasting foreign policy visions presented by Trump and Harris highlight a critical voter dilemma between unilateral intimidation and collaborative strength in global engagement.
Deep dives
Distinctions in U.S. Foreign Policy
The current U.S. election features clear distinctions in foreign policy, with voters showing interest in how the U.S. should engage globally. Historical examples show that foreign policy has influenced presidential election outcomes, shifting perceptions from viewing elections purely through domestic issues. Voters often respond to ongoing wars and the country's competence in handling international affairs, suggesting that foreign policy considerations are more prominent than previously assumed. Issues like military power and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are at the forefront of voters' concerns, indicating a heightened awareness of America's role on the world stage.
Contrasting Views of Strength
Candidates present contrasting visions of strength in their foreign policy approaches, shaping voter perceptions. Donald Trump’s style emphasizes a unilateral approach marked by intimidation, while Kamala Harris advocates for collaborative strength through alliances and restraint. Trump's portrayal of the U.S. as a declining power starkly contrasts with Harris's confident assertion of American values on the global front. This divergence posits a critical question for voters about the effectiveness and appropriateness of each candidate’s foreign policy strategy.
Historical Parallels in Authoritarian Admiration
The admiration that some historical figures and contemporary politicians have for authoritarian leaders reveals significant cultural dynamics within American political thought. The discussion draws parallels between Trump’s relationship with figures like Putin and historical admiration on the right for dictators like Mussolini and Franco. This admiration often reflects a hierarchical view of society, intertwining issues of masculinity, race, and religious hierarchies. The evolution of these sentiments showcases a shift from a fringe viewpoint to one embedded within mainstream political ideology, raising concerns about their implications for U.S. democracy.
The Role of History in Nationalism
The rise of nationalism internationally illustrates the complex role that historical narratives play in shaping current political identities and sentiments. Nationalist movements often rely on constructed historical narratives to legitimize their claims to power and exclusion of others. The current geopolitical landscape shows an increase in leaders appropriating historical elements to solidify their power and narratives. This historical reshaping emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the connections between past and present, particularly as society grapples with issues of identity and belonging.
When Donald Trump praises foreign dictators—from Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un to Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin—the typical reaction is shock and dismay. But in fact, Beverly Gage points out in a recent essay in Foreign Affairs, such admiration is not uncommon in American politics. And Trump’s embrace of overseas autocrats is just one of the unsettling features of American civic life today that has a more prominent place in U.S. history than most observers would like to think.
Gage, a historian at Yale, has written extensively about contemporary U.S. politics, ideology, and social movements, and is the author of G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century. She spoke with Foreign Affairs senior editor Kanishk Tharoor on October 17 about the historical parallels that help us understand today’s fraught politics—as well as what set this moment apart.