Bob Woodward is wrong. American democracy is crumbling
Nov 10, 2024
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International and political editor Peter Hartcher, with over four decades of political reporting experience, dives deep into the implications of Donald Trump's presidency on American democracy. He discusses how Trump’s win signals a shift from democratic values to self-interest and the global consequences of this change. Hartcher highlights expert warnings about the threats to democracy, reassesses Fukuyama's views on governance, and explores America's fluctuating role as a global superpower amidst rising authoritarianism.
Trump's election signifies a shift in American political identity, jeopardizing the nation’s commitment to liberal democracy and global leadership.
The erosion of democratic principles under Trump poses a serious challenge not only to U.S. democracy but also to international political stability.
Deep dives
The Transformation of American Identity
The recent election of Donald Trump represents a significant shift in American political identity, transforming the nation’s relationship with liberal democracy and the international order. Trump’s victory highlights a departure from longstanding values that emphasized equal rights and an impartial state towards a model heavily influenced by identity politics and narrow self-interests. This change reveals that America’s role as a champion of liberal democracy, established post-World War II, is now in jeopardy, with its global leadership under strain. The implications of this transformation extend beyond U.S. borders, potentially reshaping alliances and political dynamics worldwide.
Erosion of Democracy and International Threats
Donald Trump’s disregard for democratic principles poses a profound threat to the fabric of democracy, both in the U.S. and internationally. As Trump’s actions have shown a lack of respect for elections and the rule of law, many view America’s commitment to democracy as fraying, with the election results indicating a shift in public sentiment towards acceptance of such deterioration. The consequences of this erosion are far-reaching, raising concerns for allies like Australia, which may find its security interests compromised by an unpredictable U.S. foreign policy dismissive of longstanding commitments. This uncertainty can embolden adversaries and destabilize regions, creating a perilous environment for global safety.
Fukuyama's Revised Outlook on Governance
Political scientist Francis Fukuyama's revision of his theory, originally heralding the triumph of liberal democracy, reflects the current political turmoil in the U.S. He now posits that future governance may cycle through various forms, including autocracy and dictatorship, as a consequence of diminishing faith in democracy. This perspective emphasizes the potential for Trump’s influence to entrench illiberal practices, undermining the liberal democratic framework that had been widely regarded as the endpoint of political evolution. Fukuyama’s insights serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of rising authoritarian tendencies and the variability of governance outcomes.
We’ve all heard a lot about how Donald Trump won the presidential election, which voters he managed to draw in, and where.
But what about the big picture, and the long game? What does Trump’s victory say about how safe America’s democracy is? And what, in turn, this might mean for the safety of the rest of us around the globe?
International and political editor Peter Hartcher has been covering politics for more than 40 years, and reported from Washington for four years of those, covering George W Bush’s presidency.
Today, Hartcher discusses what Washington insiders, including a renowned political scientist and the journalist who broke the Watergate scandal, have told him about all of this, and more.
Read/listen/watch:
'If George Washington was the father of America’s democracy, Donald Trump is its undertaker', Peter Hartcher, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.