There’s a lot at stake. The 2022 midterm elections in the United States, barely five weeks away, will have an outsized influence on the 2024 presidential election and the kind of country we are apt to be for years to come. There is a historic political schism in our country which is mirrored throughout much of the world today.
If there is one thing that has challenged authoritarianism globally, it is Ukraine, and the free world's united response to authoritarian Russia who was supposed to have much superior military. President Biden and Sec of State Blinken deserve credit for reviving NATO from near-death and President Zelenskiyy for his leadership and unwavering loyalty to Ukraine that has inspired his people.
This is a very interesting column. From my perspective, the rise in authoritarianism may be due to the fact that in a sea of uncertainty, people are looking for a "life raft." So they will listen to and possibly vote for someone who can articulate the importance of their "traditional" values - whatever those values may be, and assure them that the attack/assault on those values is a threat to them and their families.
For example, Meloni's 2019 speech that has been played emphasized the importance of God, Family and Country. Orban has built his platform on protecting families and Hungary. Sweden's immigration policies have left Swede's worried they have lost their county. I would argue that Trump's victory in 2016 and his continued influence on the Republican party is due to the fact that his "America First" resonated and continues to resonate with millions of voters who view progressive policies as an assault on traditional values.
And what truly concerns me is that if economic conditions continue to deteriorate - as they are likely to do in 2023, we will continue to see a rise in extremism as people become more desperate. And with the Nord Stream Pipelines off line, we had all better pray that there is a mild winter in Europe or there will truly tragic situations.
The Dutch LPF party was dissolved in 2008. Its founder and leadership Fortuyn was assassinated in 2008.
If there is one thing that has challenged authoritarianism globally, it is Ukraine, and the free world's united response to authoritarian Russia who was supposed to have much superior military. President Biden and Sec of State Blinken deserve credit for reviving NATO from near-death and President Zelenskiyy for his leadership and unwavering loyalty to Ukraine that has inspired his people.
Hal
This is a very interesting column. From my perspective, the rise in authoritarianism may be due to the fact that in a sea of uncertainty, people are looking for a "life raft." So they will listen to and possibly vote for someone who can articulate the importance of their "traditional" values - whatever those values may be, and assure them that the attack/assault on those values is a threat to them and their families.
For example, Meloni's 2019 speech that has been played emphasized the importance of God, Family and Country. Orban has built his platform on protecting families and Hungary. Sweden's immigration policies have left Swede's worried they have lost their county. I would argue that Trump's victory in 2016 and his continued influence on the Republican party is due to the fact that his "America First" resonated and continues to resonate with millions of voters who view progressive policies as an assault on traditional values.
And what truly concerns me is that if economic conditions continue to deteriorate - as they are likely to do in 2023, we will continue to see a rise in extremism as people become more desperate. And with the Nord Stream Pipelines off line, we had all better pray that there is a mild winter in Europe or there will truly tragic situations.