Trump Governs Like a King in ‘Un Si Puissant Voisin’
The political landscape is shifting, and recent analyses suggest that the governance style of Donald Trump parallels historical monarchies. Experts Stacie Goddard and Abraham Newman propose a concept they term “neo-royalism” to explain this emerging political trend. This idea helps to decode Trump’s foreign policy and the evolving global order.
Understanding Neo-Royalism in Politics
According to Goddard and Newman, the modern world has witnessed an unprecedented structure of international governance based on rules. This framework, established by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, emphasized state sovereignty. However, recent observations indicate that this order is unraveling.
In their recent articles, Goddard and Newman argue that world leaders today, including Trump, exemplify a return to a more personalistic governance style similar to that of historical emperors and kings.
Key Characteristics of Neo-Royalism
The authors outline several defining features of neo-royalism:
- The state is no longer impersonal; its sovereignty centers around a singular leader.
- Legal frameworks exist, but the will of the “sovereign” takes precedence over established laws.
- The international order increasingly revolves around powerful clans and figures rather than common systems or rules.
This lens reveals insights into Trump’s focus on a narrow elite, often prioritizing personal loyalty over national interests. For instance, his tariff policies may not necessarily create jobs but instead incentivize companies to offer favors to his administration.
Trump’s International Relations Approach
Newman notes that Trump’s belligerent stance towards Canada exemplifies this shift. His negotiation tactics often highlight a hierarchy, demonstrating a movement towards inequality among nations. This approach starkly contrasts with the earlier ideal of sovereign equality, where every state held equal power.
Trump’s administration, through its aggressive trade policies and personalistic decisions, signifies this change. The experts suggest that nations like Canada need to resist these new norms and reaffirm the principles of mutual respect and equality in international relations.
The Path Forward
Newman and Goddard emphasize the urgency for world powers to collaborate against the rising tide of neo-royalism. They argue that while history shows the possibility of reverting to a rules-based order, nations must act decisively to curtail the influence of neo-royalist leaders.
Recent commentary from Mark Carney at Davos hints at a return to power rivalries, but Newman believes it is vital to recognize the deeper changes in international relations. Constructing a united front against the principles of neo-royalism could pave the way for a more equitable global order.
As the world watches, the actions of nations like Canada and other mid-tier powers could set the stage for a renewed push towards a structured and respectful international governance framework.
