Should People Outside the USA Have an Opinion about US Politics?
Is the current state of U.S. politics a mess?
Observations on U.S. Politics Today
Indeed, it is a chaotic time, but to argue that the U.S. alone is unique in this regard is farfetched. Most nations face their own set of challenges and political turmoil. While it may seem that the U.S. has stumbled upon its 'best' candidates—Donald Trump and Joe Biden—this notion rings hollow. Over 300 million people, and the outcome is dominated by these two figures. It's a reflection of a broader issue: the failure of political systems to consistently produce salient public figures.
The Evolution of U.S. Politics
Politics in the U.S. has not fundamentally changed; instead, the approach and awareness have shifted. Some shift has been positive, while others have regressed. External observers from around the world view U.S. politics with a mix of awe and reverence, much like one would look at a curious, unprecedented phenomenon, with their jaws dropping so wide and open that a golf ball could be easily tossed into their mouths from across the room.
Crucial Incidents: Trump's Presidency
The Trump presidency was marked by several controversial events that significantly reshaped public perception. Consider, for example, the phone call seeking 11,800 votes in Georgia—a move that should have been deemed impeachable and warranted immediate incarceration. Similarly, his inciting of the Capitol insurrection was clear incitement to violence, undermining the principles of freedom of expression. Instead, Trump was left to campaign, a situation that freedom of expression advocates found perplexing and disturbing.
Trumponomics, as some call it, has even extended to the military's establishment. Trump vowed to call military commanding officers to a firing squad, a statement that goes beyond the limits of freedom of speech and enters the realm of hate speech. This dark turn in rhetoric veers away from democratic norms, reinforcing the tendency to view political discourse through a narrow and intolerant lens.
The Reckoning: The World's View on American Democracy
International observers were astounded when the U.S. elected Trump in 2016. Expectations of a model society based on perfect ideals and sound institutions were dashed. It was almost unimaginable that such a society would allow an individual like Trump to occupy the highest office, but it did.
More disconcertingly, it appears that the American electorate has not learned from this experience. The potential repetition of this scenario only compounds the damage to the USA's reputation on the global stage, potentially diminishing its influence and eroding the belief in a democratic ideal.
As global politics become ever more interconnected, the stakes of U.S. political experiences reverberate beyond its borders. Political actions and reactions in the U.S. affect the narratives and beliefs of people around the world. It is incumbent upon those of us living in the shadows of the American democracy to reflect critically on its current state and its impact on the larger world.