President Trump has inspired a wave of authoritarianism globally by endorsing leaders like Turkey’s Erdogan, significantly straying from American diplomatic norms that traditionally support democracy. His actions and rhetoric embolden similar movements in countries such as Serbia and Israel, as they exploit the perceived impunity in their governance. This trend raises red flags about the future of democratic principles worldwide.
President Trump has altered the landscape of American diplomacy by expressing support for leaders who forsake democratic practices. His recent praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, despite ongoing protests in Turkey, exemplifies this shift. While President Biden distanced himself from Erdogan, labeling him an “autocrat,” Trump referred to him as a “good leader,” ignoring complaints about democratic backsliding.
Since taking office, President Trump has rejected long-standing efforts to reinforce democracy globally, instead lauding autocratic leaders. Rosa Balfour from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted, “There’s a great emboldening,” indicating that Trump’s words resonate widely and signify a lack of consequences for actions undermining democracy.
Others, like former Congresswoman Jane Harman, acknowledge that global drift from democratic norms predates Trump’s presidency. Despite this, Harman noted that Trump’s return to politics has prompted some voters to reevaluate authoritarian candidates in places such as Germany, where a backlash against far-right popularity became evident.
Historically, U.S. leaders have occasionally tolerated undemocratic behavior among allies, yet Trump’s presidency has coincided with a marked decline in democratic principles among international leaders. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces no opposition from the Biden administration regarding judicial reforms that critics argue undermine democracy. Trump’s presence appears to enable Netanyahu’s controversial actions, such as dismissing key intelligence officials and altering the judicial system.
In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic has taken cues from Trump, using attacks on civil society organizations while justifying state actions against them. Following the U.S. decision to dismantle USAID, Vucic’s tirades against NGOs reflected Trump’s tactics and echoed public sentiments against perceived liberal establishments.
Trump’s family members, including Donald Trump Jr., have propagated similar narratives in support of foreign leaders like Vucic. During an interview, Trump Jr. reinforced the notion that local unrest is driven by leftist agendas, further echoing his father’s divisive rhetoric.
In conclusion, President Trump’s approach has instigated a notable shift in how autocratic leaders perceive their actions on the global stage, creating an environment where democratic principles are increasingly challenged. Emerging leaders in various nations, inspired by Trump’s lack of condemnation towards authoritarian practices, capitalize on this permissive atmosphere. The implications for democracy worldwide are concerning, as practices that undermine it appear to gain legitimacy without reproach from the traditional guardians of democratic values.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
