In the wake of the American elections, Frank Füredi, head of MCC Brussels, presents a bold and eloquent summary of the factors that led to Donald Trump’s victory and the far-reaching effects of this victory on Western democracies. In Füredi’s insight, he underlines the dramatic shift in politics.
1. The power of grassroots movements
Trump’s success shows the success of grassroots movements in transformation. Transcending a political party, Trump and his team successfully helped create a real movement that mobilized millions, ultimately leading to unprecedented support for Republicans.
The movement brought about the change, not the party
Füredi noted.
2. Rejection of identity politics
The final result of the election is the first serious sign of the failure of identity politics. It shows that it is not possible to win an election based on race-, gender- and victim-based identity politics alone in such a tight situation, when the stakes are much higher.
Füredi claims that this election represents a turning point in the assessment of ideas about voter motivations.
3. The declining influence of traditional media
Traditional media is becoming less connected to the electorate and is nowhere near as influential as it once was.
The Trump campaign strategically moved beyond traditional channels of media; he came into direct contact with voters through podcasts and social media.
Thus, exploiting the resources inherent in digital media platforms, it effectively overcame the gatekeepers of the declining influence of traditional media.
4. Breaking with the political elite
Politicians and the cultural elite may feel abandoned by the people. According to Füredi, “no doubt, a hysterical reaction can be expected from their circles; they will roar with a fascist takeover and a growing authoritarian shift”. The result clearly indicates a growing gap between the position of the elite and the public mood.
5. The rise of the popular voice
Füredi assessed the result of the election as a new era of “populism” (in our country “people’s-national movement”). This will greatly affect the future of the entire Western world. The shift is indicative of a larger trend, with effects far beyond the borders of the US.
warns Füredi, who believes that Europe may soon face similar popular pressure.
Füredi’s assessment draws attention to the role of Trump’s success in the reshaping of modern politics, and also predicts the expected advance of “populist” popular movements around the world.
Cover photo: Frank Füredi (Source: Facebook/MCC)
Source: magyarnemzet.hu
