Tea finally broke the Camel's back, or in this case, lit the fuse for American independence. The stubborn King George III, one of the four imported Hanoverian Georges of Great Britain, helped spark the American Nationalist dream of the thirteen colonies. The American War of Independence or The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), when the Patriots, headed by George Washington, defeated the British Army, the American dream became a reality and Nationalism in the form of Anglo-Saxon identity in America took hold and ever since, was to become central for American political strategies. The American Constitution, with all its contradictions, was born. Freedom of the individual is enshrined in Civic and Republican Nationalism that emphasises inclusivity, taking in a shared heritage. Language and Traditions tied to Ethnic and Cultural Nationalism as additions were carefully balanced. This was the historical underpinning of American Nationalism.
The Civil War (1861–1865) Nationalism with different ideologies was at war with itself. Tested the nation's identity, pitting Confederate Nationalism, based on states' rights and slavery, against the Union's commitment to preserving the nation. The war revealed deep fractures within the American national identity and highlighted the tension between competing visions of what the United States should stand for. The belief that grounded the United States and its commitment to democratic governance, equality, and liberty for all citizens shattered. Ideas for Slavery and Human rights were in opposition. On the Federal side, they firmly believed, among other things, that Racial hierarchy and the cultural identity of white supremacy firmly exposed the profound hypocrisy in the American national identity.
Manifest Destiny gained pre-eminence in the Nineteenth Century, witnessing the rise of expansionist Nationalism and the belief that Americans were destined to expand beyond the Appalachians. Such ideas of Manifest Destiny often justify the displacement of Indigenous peoples and the annexation of territories. Manifest Destiny is a term first coined in the 19th century to give credence to what American people perceive as the United States was divinely ordained to expand its territory and spread its values across the North American continent. Such ideology left a lasting impact on the nation's identity and development. Expansion was seen not only as a right but a moral obligation, a divine proclamation to bring progress, Christianity and prosperity to new territories. The Trail of Tears was justified as a necessary steps for American expansion. Americans believed, and still do, that the U.S. is an exception. Since then, such beliefs have become deeply rooted in their history, culture, and ideology. The idea of Manifest Destiny came to play a key role in justifying the drive for continental expansion into a broader sense of global mission.
The rhetoric of various American political leaders, such as John F. Kennedy's call to "pay any price, bear any burden" to defend freedom, further exemplified modern Manifest Destiny and exceptionalism. Ronald Reagan described the U.S. as a "shining city upon a hill", and Barack Obama asserted that the U.S. is "the indispensable nation." Repeated speeches further added to the belief that the U.S. is not just another country but holds a unique position in the world and a force for good in the world. Manifest Destiny and exceptionalism were the drivers of spreading democracy and capitalism, promoting human rights and international law, and framing all actions as morally justified and beneficial to the world.
As if that was not enough of exceptionalism, fast forward to Globalisation and bring forward ideas of Manifest Destiny into the twentieth century. The relationship that ensued between Globalisation and American Nationalism, though complex and often contradictory, had shaken the foundation of American Nationalism. Although globalisation, to a great extent, successfully reinforced American economic and cultural influence worldwide, amplifying the ideas of American exceptionalism. On the other hand, it has also galvanised a nationalist backlash, as many Americans feel that Globalisation undermines national sovereignty, economic security, and cultural identity. The original intention was good, as America was the major driver of Globalisation. It helped set up many global institutions and the economic order through the IMF (International Monetary Fund), the WTO (World Trade Organisation), and the World Bank. American companies like Google, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft dominated global markets. Aside from Technological leadership and innovation, American culture and Hollywood movies reinforced the perception of American exceptionalism as a superpower.
However, soon enough, many Americans realised the political, economic, and cultural exchange with the world was not as good as it was cut out to be. The American people realised that Globalisation requires countries to give up some degree of sovereignty to international organisations. This did not sit well among American nationalists about the loss of control over domestic policies, particularly in areas like trade, environmental regulation, and immigration. The negative impact of Globalisation on their jobs and communities' voter anger with Globalisation was one profound reason for electing Donald Trump for President. While Globalisation has benefited many Americans, it has also led to job losses in industries like manufacturing as companies move production overseas to take advantage of cheaper labour. This would soon contradict the emerging technological know-how, which will soon allow virtual migration, thanks to telerobotics and telepresence. This disruption within American society fueled resentment and a sense of betrayal among many working-class Americans, not at all what Globalisation was meant to be. The distrust contributed to the rise of nationalist movements portrayed in Trump's "America First" agenda. Open borders and the consequent influx of immigrants meant the erosion of American National Identity, with incoming different cultures threatening their values framed in nationalist terms. For others, Globalisation challenged the idea of American exceptionalism, as the rise of China and other emerging powers has called into question the U.S.'s unchallenged dominance. Defending American values and identity was a defensive form of Nationalism and part of that dissolusion and disappointment, many Americans aligned with Trump. He positioned himself as the champion for those who felt they were being left behind or marginalised. He joined in with their resentment, echoing many of their grievances.
This pivot was primarily a reaction to the downsides of economic interdependence. The benefits of Globalisation proved unevenly distributed. In many parts of the United States, international trade brought a decline in domestic industry and the loss of well-paid manufacturing jobs. Entire regions, mainly rural areas like the Rust Belt and predominantly industrial ones, were left behind. Trump's populist message tapped into this frustration, framing himself as a defender of the "forgotten" American worker. He promised an about-turn to renegotiate trade deals and return jobs to the U.S. He offered straightforward, often controversial solutions to complex problems that aroused nationalist fever. In the modern context, his attacks on immigration, Islam, woke culture and "America first" foreign policies can be seen as a reinterpretation of Manifest Destiny. He aroused fear that American values were being eroded and diluted. His policies, such as renegotiating trade deals (e.g., NAFTA to USMCA) and imposing tariffs on China, Europe, Canada and Mexico, aimed to restore American economic dominance and protect U.S. industries, always attempting to prove the American model is best.
To some critics, Trump appears to use tariffs as a negotiating tactic, while others view this as a protection racket. During his election campaign, he told voters that the taxes were "not going to be a cost to you, it’s a cost to another country". That was almost universally regarded by economists as misleading. Economic studies of the impact of the new tariffs Trump imposed in his first term of office between 2017 and 2020 suggest most of the economic burden was ultimately borne by US consumers. The non-partisan Peterson Institute for International Economics has estimated that Trump’s new proposed tariffs would lower the incomes of Americans, with the impact ranging from around 4% for the poorest fifth to around 2% for the wealthiest fifth.
This man wonder, anti-elitist, anti-establishment loved quick fixes. Building a border wall, imposing tariffs, and renegotiating trade deals. These quick fixes appealed to those who felt that traditional politicians had failed to address their concerns. His often abrasive, combative approach showed a willingness to challenge the establishment, political traditions and norms. This created a strong emotional, if not intellectual, connection with his supporters. One example is the recent declassification of key documents related to historical figures such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. This could expose the workings of the "deep state" in the United States, marking a milestone in government transparency. His rhetoric of anti-diversity stance, following the Washington air accident on January 30 without evidence, gains the approval of many Republicans. They saw him as authentic, firm in his anti-woke culture and unafraid to speak his mind, in contrast to traditional politicians' polished, insincere rhetoric. The first term of Trump's presidency proved complex and highly controversial. His off-the-cuff remarks, unpredictability, and unsubstantiated and extraordinary claims caused resentment in many circles. However, while he does not explicitly reference Manifest Destiny, the underlying themes of national superiority, sovereignty, and a sense of mission resonate strongly with his rhetoric and policies. His followers remain unshaken by the controversies he leaves behind.
 |
| "An infatuated people driven to expansion and genocide by the delusional belief that they were God's chosen. With freedom on their lips, scripture in their hands, and a sense of racial superiority in their blood, Americans mowed down everybody in their way." - 'Manifest Destiny: American Expansion and the Empire of Right' a book by Anders Stephanson |
He has no hesitation in advocating for territorial acquisition and the displacement of indigenous peoples. His focus on national sovereignty and unilateralism reflects a similar desire to assert American independence and control not far short of the Monroe Doctrine, a watchword of U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere. His withdrawal from international agreements (e.g., the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran nuclear deal) and criticism of global institutions (e.g., the World Health Organization, NATO) can be seen as a modern manifestation of the belief that external forces or alliances should not constrain the United States. This has led to a more inward-looking nationalism that prioritises border security and military strength rather than what many see as isolationist policies.
The ideology often justified using military force to achieve territorial expansion and assert American dominance. The willingness to use force (e.g., drone strikes, the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani) reflects a belief in American military exceptionalism. His creation of the Space Force and his focus on modernising the military can be seen as efforts to maintain and expand American dominance in new frontiers, echoing the expansionist spirit of Manifest Destiny. Trump's rhetoric on Islam often framed it as incompatible with American values, particularly during his calls for a "Muslim ban" and his criticism of Islamic extremism. It is not so much an anti-religious action but rather reflects broader cultural exceptionalism since the US Constitution is viewed as a beacon of freedom and modernity. An engagement in the struggle against perceived threats from the Islamic world. The principal aim is to preserve traditional American values such as Christianity and patriotism, which reflect a belief in the superiority of American culture that must be defended. This aligns with the "clash of civilisations" narrative, which can be seen as a modern extension of the civilisational mission inherent in Manifest Destiny.
The Trumpist phenomenon encouraged rallies featuring slogans like "Make America Great Again" and "Keep America Great," which tapped into a nostalgic vision of the U.S. as a dominant and exceptional nation. The fixation on building the Border Wall is a powerful symbol of Trump's nationalist agenda, representing a physical and ideological barrier. It falls in line with a modern Manifest Destiny to protect American Sovereignty and identity, both expansionist and exclusionary combined.
The Trumpist phenomenon is highly contradictory, but they work. Despite his elite status, Trump, a billionaire businessman, has long been part of the upper echelons of American society and positioned himself as an outsider fighting against the establishment. His rhetoric targeted political, media, and corporate elites, whom he accused of being out of touch with ordinary Americans. Phrases like "drain the swamp" and "forgotten men and women" were music to the ears of his supporters left behind by Globalisation and technological change. Trump's brash, often aggressive style challenged political norms and presented him as anti-establishment. Renegotiating trade deals, imposing tariffs, and prioritising American jobs were framed as efforts to protect working-class Americans from the excesses of corporate and global elites. He targets the political elites, the media elites, and the academic, scientific and intellectual elites in preference to common sense and reasoning by gut feeling. Dismissing the ideas from the eminent scientist Anthony Fauci at times of the Covid crisis, and when asked by a reporter how he could blame diversity programmes for the Washington crash when the investigation had only just begun, he responded, "because I have common sense." His blunt, abrasive and confrontational style made him seem more relatable to those who felt alienated by the political establishment. The 'anti-elite' elite rather sums up his phenomena, and he succeeds in blurring the line between the two by pretending to be an outsider.
However, all that have their limits, such as rhetoric, attitudes, and oppositional views, have tendencies to divide society. While Donald Trump successfully positioned himself as an anti-elitist figure for many of his supporters, a significant portion of the population—including critics, political opponents, and even some within his own base—viewed him as a hypocrite and a conman. The idea that he is anti-elitist is delusional, and there are apparent contradictions between his elite status, his policies, and his populist rhetoric. Someone who lives in a brash gold-plated penthouse and frequents elite social circles cannot genuinely claim to represent the "forgotten" working class or the forty million people living below the poverty line. The billionaires that lined up his inaugural platform and the corporations that donate to his cause belies such claims.
Critics argue that these policies contradict his populist promises to fight for ordinary Americans. To"drain the swamp" of corruption in Washington is a fallacy since his administration's hiring of lobbyists, corporate executives, and wealthy donors for key positions is nothing short of evidence that he was part of the very system he claimed to oppose. Trump's use of hyperbole, false claims, and divisive rhetoric led many to view him as a manipulative figure who exploited the grievances of his supporters for personal and political gain.
The presidency of Donald Trump, on his first attempt, profoundly influenced the division and polarisation of American society. It left a legacy that has continued to shape the political landscape. This second term is envisaged to create even more divisions. His emphasis on cultural and identity issues resonated deeply with his base but alienated many others, particularly minorities and progressives. His fixation on building the border wall and imposing restrictive measures on Muslim immigration was seen as xenophobic but celebrated by supporters as protecting American values. Trump frequently framed politics as a battle between "real Americans" and elites, immigrants, or liberals. A culture of "us vs them" mentality deepened divisions and fostered a sense of tribalism. Delighting many of his fans, he swipes at the media ("fake news"), the judiciary, and even the electoral process.
Altogether, it has eroded trust in institutions and created a climate of suspicion and hostility. His presidency challenged many long-standing traditions and what is politically normal, such as the peaceful transfer of power at the end of his term in office and the independence of the justice system shaking the foundation of American Democracy. Such attacks gave rise to distrust and suspicion of politics and partisan. Moreover, the Trump trajectory has sparked a nationalist backlash among those who feel left behind or threatened by its consequences. As the U.S. navigates the challenges of the 21st century, America is generously endowed with natural resources and sufficiently created geopolitical means and resources, attempting to lock its pivotal power in the world. However, the relationship between Globalisation and Nationalism within will continue to be a central issue in American politics and society but, unfortunately, under a cloud of mistrust, suspicion and unpredictability. One of the likelihoods is that Donald Trump's presidency will leave behind multiple layers of an antagonistic society where assertiveness stands before reason.
No comments:
Post a Comment