Trumpism and Its Prospects: Intensification of the Liberal Democracy Identity Crisis and the Decline of Fundamental American Values During Donald Trump's Presidency

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz Branch, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

This study addresses the fundamental question: Why did the American liberal democracy system ultimately lead to the emergence of Trumpism as its final product? The main hypothesis of this research is that Trumpism, as a populist phenomenon, directly stems from the structural and ideological crises of liberal democracy. These crises are primarily due to the weakening of fundamental democratic principles such as civic participation, social justice, and public trust in political institutions. Along with growing dissatisfaction with political elites and systemic corruption, these crises created conditions in which populist and anti-elite discourses transformed into an influential social and political movement, represented by Donald Trump. The methodology of this research is analytical and explanatory. This study seeks to explain how these factors have converged to shape the political phenomenon of Trumpism. The findings indicate that Trumpism, as a direct result of complex processes within American liberal democracy, emerged from identity crises and failures in reproducing equality and social justice. Through a populist discourse, Trump managed to mobilize segments of society that felt excluded from democratic processes. In this context, he exploited deep-seated distrust toward elites and offered simplistic and reductionist solutions, presenting himself as an alternative political force against the liberal democratic system. Thus, the emergence of Trumpism can be understood as a paradoxical response to the internal crises of American liberal democracy.

Keywords

Smiley face

References

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American Strategic Studies
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 16
Serial number 16 - Winter 2025
February 2025
Pages 11-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 31 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 12 January 2025
  • Publish Date: 19 February 2025

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