The rise of strongman politics, particularly evidenced by Trump's re-emergence, signifies a shift in public sentiment fueled by decades of disillusionment.
**The Resurgence of Nationalism: The Ripple Effect of Disillusionment**
**The Resurgence of Nationalism: The Ripple Effect of Disillusionment**
A deep dive into how the end of the Cold War has reshaped political landscapes globally.
As the Cold War faded nearly four decades ago, moments of triumph for Western liberal democracy followed, seemingly ushering in a new era defined by freedom and open societies. However, the celebratory mood masked the potential consequences of losing a clear adversary. A prominent Soviet reformist, Mikhail S. Gorbachev's adviser, cautioned that the West would face a grave fate: the absence of an enemy.
The transition caught many off guard; as newly liberated societies embraced democracy, it often manifested as an expansion of global capitalism rather than genuine emancipation. This shift sparked social divisions and led to a deterioration of shared truths and realities. The fallout left many towns and communities in despair, famished for the certainties offered by authoritarian figures.
Nicole Bacharan, a noted French political scientist, encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “In the absence of shared facts, emotion took prominence over reason.” The result was an overwhelming desire for authoritarianism, a trend that surged as allegiance and identity grew tenuous.
While hopes once existed for a cooperative relationship with Russia, the country, fueled by President Vladimir V. Putin’s anti-Western narrative, has shifted back into the role of adversary, especially evident following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Discontent with Western democracy laid fertile ground for the acceptance of Putin’s critiques by far-right movements across Europe and America.
Despite the collective resolve of Western allies to uphold Ukrainian democracy, doubts about this commitment have surfaced. The recent resurgence and electoral win of Donald J. Trump represents a culmination of an anti-establishment sentiment that had been brewing over the years. Efforts to highlight the vulnerabilities of democracy and the perils of authoritarian allure could not stem the tide of this movement. The trajectory of political dynamics, shaped by decades of disillusionment following the Cold War, now beckons a careful consideration of the future of democratic norms.
