
Past Present Future Trump-like Leadership in German History w/Chris Clark: Part 2 – Chancellor, Tyrant, Emperor?
Nov 19, 2025
Chris Clark, a historian specializing in modern German history, dives into the complexities of Trump-like leadership. He explores whether comparisons to historical figures like Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm are valid, noting Trump's royal-like personalization of power and tactical provocation. Discussing the impact of social media on decorum, Clark argues Trump embodies both American traits and a modern challenge to traditional democratic norms. The conversation also touches on how Trump's image was shaped by his TV persona and the implications for governance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Personalized Power Creates A Modern Court
- Trump personalizes power and creates a court-like environment where favor and disfavor matter.
- His utterances focus on feelings and signals of favor, producing servility reminiscent of monarchic courts.
Trump As An American Persona
- Trump's persona is deeply American: boastful, sales-oriented, and transaction-focused.
- His style blends American showmanship with unpresidential behavior that shocks norms.
Discovering Hidden Presidential Levers
- Trump displays a fresh, instinctive relationship with power and readily uses executive levers.
- He discovered underused presidential tools like tariffs and public utterance to wield influence single-handedly.







