Understanding the Trump Phenomenon
The surprising re-election of Donald Trump has puzzled many political observers, who wondered how a leader with so many scandals could win the trust of a significant part of the electorate. After his first victory in 2016, multiple discussions and analyzes were conducted to decipher the factors that contributed to his success.
The Roots of Trump Support
The impact of ‘Deep America’ is central to understanding its popularity. The books of J.D. Vance, Angus Deaton, and Patrick Radden Keefe provide an in-depth look at the struggles facing many communities in this region, highlighting the deindustrialization, economic crisis, and sense of dispossession that have affected their daily lives.
The work of J.D. Vance
The book ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ by J.D. Vance explores Appalachian culture and the hardships white communities without college degrees have faced. Vance, with personal experience in this reality, illustrates how hopelessness and resentment have fueled a desire for change that Trump was able to channel.
The Mortality Crisis
In another area, ‘Muertes por desesperación’ by Angus Deaton and Anne Case examines the causes of an increase in mortality among non-college whites. His research reveals that factors such as alcoholism, overdoses and suicides have been influenced by deindustrialization and a lack of social support, creating fertile ground for Trump’s rhetoric.
The Empire of Pain
Patrick Radden Keefe, in ‘Empire of Pain’, explores the devastating impact of opioids, a problem that particularly affects white non-college communities. This crisis, combined with disillusionment with the political system, has led many to see Trump as a defender of their interests.
The International Consequences of the Reelection
The effect of Trump’s second term extends beyond the borders of the United States. Experts such as Timothy Garton Ash warn about the implications that this victory may have for Europe, especially in relation to the conflict in Ukraine and the unity of the European Union.
A Threat to European Unity
Trump’s stance against military aid to Ukraine and his bilateral approach with the EU may cause internal tensions within the European organization. This situation requires Europe to rethink its strategy and seek its own political and defense autonomy.
Final Thoughts on the Future
Trump’s re-election is not just a matter of domestic politics; it is a phenomenon that challenges the global scene. How the EU and other regions of the world adapt to this new reality will be crucial for their political and economic stability. The way countries deal with their own domestic crises will influence their response to the global dynamics that Trump has provoked.