Dear ASEAN Leaders: Why Trumpism Endures Beyond a Temporary Phenomenon

As Donald Trump serves as the 47th president of the United States, a deeper understanding of Trumpism is essential. This political movement, which arose in a specific historical context, continues to influence American society and its global interactions.

The Historical Context of Trumpism

To comprehend Trumpism fully, it is crucial to revisit significant historical events, particularly 1989. This year marked a turning point, signaling a new era in global politics. The end of the Cold War heralded a wave of liberal optimism, largely characterized by the theory proposed by Francis Fukuyama.

Fukuyama’s Thesis

• Fukuyama’s work, “The End of History and the Last Man,” argued that liberal democracy and market capitalism had triumphed globally.
• He introduced concepts such as “thymos,” suggesting that the historical struggles driven by nationalism had come to an end.
• This ideology promoted a vision of a global middle class rooted in consumerism and the idea of a “capitalist nirvana.”

Fukuyama’s theory gained traction within American politics, leading to the dominance of globalism and free market fundamentalism. As a result, consumer values became paramount, influencing policies that favored globalization.

The Economic Paradigm Shift

Historian Karl Polanyi’s insights resonate with the rise of Trumpism. He described the “marketization” of the economy in his work, “The Great Transformation.” This idea warns of the dangers of separating the economy from social values.

• Polanyi proposed that market forces should be re-embedded within societal norms.
• His concept of a “double movement” suggests that counter-cultural responses can emerge in reaction to unchecked market forces.

In the contemporary context, Trump’s administration has evoked this double movement. His policies challenge the prevailing liberal order by re-emphasizing nationalism and economic protectionism.

Implications for Society

The transformation of American society under progressive policies has also been significant. The narrative of American history is reshaped, often sanitizing past events and prioritizing certain social contracts over others.

• Universities have become hotspots for “woke” culture, sidelining alternative perspectives.
• Identity politics have taken center stage, often leading to polarization.

As industries pursue higher profits, the trend of wage arbitrage reveals the economic impact of this political climate. Companies are increasingly relocating operations to countries with lower labor costs, reinforcing economic disparities.

Conclusion: The Endurance of Trumpism

Trumpism is rooted in a historical context marked by optimism and subsequent disillusionment. As America navigates its future, the echoes of past ideologies and movements continue to shape its political landscape. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for observing the ongoing evolution of American identity and policy.