The Perils of Trumpism: A Historical Perspective on the Dangers of Extremism
Basil Odilim
Trumpism, under the banner of “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), is a profound misnomer in the current chapter of American history. True greatness for any nation cannot be achieved through chaos and lawlessness driven by extremist ideologies, particularly those rooted in white supremacy and divisive religious politics, as proposed by Trump and his followers.
American exceptionalism is built upon the diversity that brings out the best in all its people, drawing talents and aspirations from around the world. This diversity has allowed America to stand as a beacon of freedom and opportunity, forging a society where innovation and progress thrive. The notion of MAGA, however, threatens to dismantle these hard-won social and economic orders, risking a regression far worse than the Great Depression.
History has shown that civil wars are profoundly disruptive and destructive, hindering any prospects for national growth and greatness. The American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, for instance, led to unparalleled human and economic losses, taking decades for the country to recover. The cost of that conflict was immense, with over 620,000 lives lost and a national economy left in tatters. This historical lesson underscores the folly of imagining that greatness can arise from internal strife and division.
The Great Depression of the 1930s saw a 25% unemployment rate and widespread economic despair, taking years of New Deal policies and World War II mobilization to overcome. The economic and social carnage proposed by Trumpists could bring about a catastrophe of similar, if not greater, magnitude. The potential disruption to America’s societal fabric and economic stability is alarming, threatening to undo centuries of progress.
In the 21st century, the geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape is vastly different from the 19th century. Today, the world is interconnected and rapidly evolving, with China’s rise, India’s growing influence, and Europe’s stability contributing to a dynamic global order. Additionally, Africa is increasingly asserting its rightful position in this new world geopolitical order. In such a complex environment, America cannot afford the mistakes of extremism and division. Maintaining leadership in the global order requires a united front and a well-ordered economic and social system.
If we make the Trump mistake, then America cannot pretend to again lead the world as the world’s melting pot, where the world’s very best want to be because America means freedom, lawfulness, equity, and justice for all. We cannot destroy these principles to let extremist ideologues have their narrow ways.
Extremist ideologies that fracture and disrupt national unity are perilous at any time but are particularly dangerous now when global dynamics demand cohesion and strategic foresight. The cost of such a mistake could take decades to repair, if it is even repairable at all. We owe it to our forefathers and future generations of Americans not to fall into the trap of Trumpism, which threatens the very foundations of the nation’s greatness.
Little wonder, then, that those foreigners supporting the Trumpist agenda can’t be worse enemies of America. They do not understand or care about the fundamental principles that have made America a beacon of hope and progress. Their support for extremism threatens to unravel the very fabric of what makes America truly great.
