Context:

• Donald Trump’s second term as US President is shaping up as a transformative period, aimed at redefining America’s domestic and international policies.
• Referred to by Trump as a “revolution of common sense,” this movement challenges entrenched liberal hegemony and seeks to overhaul the post-War order in social, political, economic, and geopolitical domains.

Origins of the Revolution in American Politics:

• Roots of discontent: The American public's growing dissatisfaction with liberal values and policies paved the way for Trump’s victory in 2016, defeating established political figures like the Clintons and Bushes.
• Challenges during the 1st term: Trump faced resistance from the establishment and liberal media, including accusations of being a “Russian agent.” This hindered his agenda, culminating in a loss in the 2020 elections.
• Rebound in 2024: Trump’s supporters perceived the legal challenges against him as a political witch hunt, rallying around his narrative of challenging the establishment.

The Pillars of Trump’s Revolution:

• Social and cultural realignment:
  • Critique of liberal values: Trump opposes liberal stances on gender identity, diversity regulations, and global human rights advocacy.
  • Focus on traditional values: His agenda includes restoring free speech, promoting traditional civic values, and reversing identity-based politics.
• Sovereignty and immigration:
  • Border control: Trump’s policies emphasize US territorial sovereignty and strict immigration controls, contrasting sharply with liberal stances on open borders.
  • Global implications: Reintroducing sovereignty as a central theme could influence international political discourse.
• Economic restructuring:
  • Trade policies: Trump aims to recalibrate global trade in favor of “fair trade” and “reciprocity,” signaling a departure from the liberal emphasis on free trade.
  • Tariff strategy: Though not detailed in his inaugural speech, Trump has initiated reviews to implement targeted tariffs.
• Rethinking US global leadership:
  • “America First” doctrine: Trump prioritizes domestic interests over maintaining global leadership and engaging in foreign conflicts.
  • Relations with major powers: Advocating for peace, Trump seeks balanced relations with Russia and China, diverging from the liberal internationalist approach.

Domestic and Global Implications of Trump’s Revolution:

• Domestic arena:
  • Polarization: Trump’s pardoning of January 6 protesters contrasts with Biden’s actions, highlighting deep societal divides.
  • Coalition building: Success depends on uniting disparate conservative factions and addressing contradictions within his movement.
• Global order:
  • Impact on geopolitics: Trump’s reluctance to uphold the “liberal international order” could reshape dynamics in Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific.
  • Foreign policy challenges: His cabinet reflects varied views on international issues (like Gaza, Taiwan, Ukraine, and North Korea), signaling potential internal debates on strategic priorities.

Conclusion:

• Trump’s second term represents a bold attempt to redefine America’s domestic policies and international role.
• While his movement faces significant internal and external resistance, its success could mark a departure from the liberal post-War order, creating a lasting impact on American society and the global system.