Authoritarianism and Centralization of Power
The political systems of Trumpism, Putinism, and Nazi Germany are characterized by authoritarianism, centralization of power, and the elevation of a single leader above the rule of law. Each movement employs nationalist and populist rhetoric, cultivating a personality cult around the leader that promotes loyalty while delegitimizing dissent. They systematically suppress opposition, control media narratives, and manipulate public perceptions. In the U.S., Trump’s administration labeled critical media as "fake news," mirroring Putin’s control over Russian media and Hitler’s complete domination of the press in Nazi Germany. A common theme across these regimes is the scapegoating and oppression of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQAI+ community. Under Putin, laws criminalizing "LGBT propaganda" have led to widespread persecution and violence, treating LGBTQ individuals as threats to traditional values. Similarly, Nazi Germany enforced brutal laws against LGBTQ individuals, subjecting them to imprisonment and concentration camps. Trumpism has also seen increased hostility towards LGBTQAI+ Americans, especially transgender individuals, fostering an environment where discrimination and social exclusion are prevalent. These political dynamics emphasize how authoritarian regimes exploit cultural fault lines to rally support and suppress dissent.
The Influence of Trumpism on South Korean Politics
Trumpism has notably shaped South Korean politics in recent years, fostering rightward shifts and deepening political polarization. The influence is evident as conservative figures in South Korea borrow slogans and tactics from the U.S. MAGA movement, particularly during protests against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. This adoption of populist, nationalist, and conspiracy-driven rhetoric has been amplified by far-right groups and conservative religious organizations, normalizing extremist views within the mainstream People Power Party (PPP) and diminishing moderate conservatism. The rise of extreme right-wing politics is marked by violent political expressions, with supporters engaging in disruptive actions against institutions and media. Many South Korean conservatives now condone violence in politics, mirroring patterns seen in Western Trumpist movements. Progressives and pro-democracy activists are often framed as threats, fostering hostility toward minority groups. The political climate has also adversely affected the LGBTQAI+ community, resulting in significant rights setbacks. Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and discrimination is prevalent. LGBTQAI+ individuals face social exclusion, workplace harassment, and violence, while inclusive educational policies are sorely lacking. Military service for LGBTQAI+ soldiers poses severe risks, compounding their marginalization in a regressive legal framework.
National Extremism as a Unifying Political Force: Trumpism, North Korean Ideology, and Nazism
The text explores the theme of national extremism as a powerful political force, evident in Trumpism, North Korean ideology, and Nazi Germany. Each of these systems places the nation or a constructed in-group identity at the forefront of political and social organization, relying on strong national mythologies, charismatic leadership, and populist mobilization. They create a divisive “us vs. them” mentality, leading to exclusionary tactics that marginalize those outside the in-group. In Trumpism, deep nationalism defines policies that prioritize the interests of native-born Americans, emphasizing borders and cultural identity. North Korea's ideology demands unwavering loyalty to the leader and defines its identity through isolation and struggle against perceived outsiders. Nazi Germany fused extreme nationalism with racial superiority, suppressing individual rights for a collective national good. All three systems not only create in-group unity through a shared leader and antagonistic rhetoric but also employ practical governance that restricts equal rights, particularly for women and LGBTQIA+ communities. While North Korea claims gender equality in law, patriarchal norms prevail. Similarly, in both South Korea and under Trumpism, societal structures perpetuate discrimination and regression in rights for women and LGBTQIA+ people, framed as necessary for national interests.
Comparative Analysis: Right Extremism in Israel, Trumpism, and Nazi Germany’s Political Doctrine
The comparative analysis highlights the ideological parallels between right extremism in Israel, Trumpism in the U.S., and Nazi Germany’s political doctrine, focusing on ultra-nationalism, supremacy, and exclusion. All three movements uphold a belief in the superiority of their respective groups—Jews in Israel, white Christians in Trumpism, and Aryans in Nazi ideology—while marginalizing others, particularly non-Jewish minorities and ethnic groups. Rhetorically, they employ strategies that demonize perceived threats, using grievance narratives to unify their bases and justify policies. The ideological convergence between radical Zionism and Nazi notions of ethnic purity reveals a shared belief in the impossibility of coexistence and the necessity for segregation or removal of perceived outsiders. Historical connections, such as the cooperation between some Zionist leaders and Nazi officials, underscore this alignment. Leadership figures Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler exemplify this ethno-nationalist agenda, promoting policies that prioritize their groups while enforcing exclusionary measures against others. Both leaders have positioned themselves as defenders of their nations, justifying aggressive policies under the guise of existential threats, thereby facilitating a dangerous framework centered on supremacy and exclusion.
Growth of Right Extremism in Israel
Right-wing extremism in Israel has significantly escalated over the past 25 years, particularly after the failure of peace initiatives in the early 2000s and the return of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December 2022. The alignment of far-right parties, like Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit, led to a right-wing majority in the 2022 elections, bringing supremacist and anti-Arab ideologies into the governing coalition. With approximately two-thirds of younger Jewish Israelis identifying as right-wing and nearly half supporting the expulsion of Palestinian citizens, extremist views have gained mainstream acceptance. Netanyahu’s political strategy includes empowering far-right elements, allowing figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir to occupy influential ministerial roles, which has facilitated a push for policies that jeopardize democratic values and minority rights. This shift has strained Israel's international relations, particularly with traditional allies like the U.S. and Europe, due to concerns over democratic erosion. The government's security policies prioritize Jewish sovereignty over coexistence, leading to increased military actions and violence against Palestinians. Domestically, the rightward shift has eroded civil rights and democratic norms, undermining the judiciary and curtailing freedoms, contributing to a more repressive political environment.
Regression of LGBTQAI+ Rights in Hungary
Hungary has experienced significant regression in LGBTQAI+ rights under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party since 2010. Key legislative changes include constitutional amendments in 2025 that allow the government to ban public LGBTQ+ events, such as Budapest Pride, alongside restrictive “child protection” laws from 2021 that prevent the depiction of non-heteronormative identities to minors. The current legal framework enables the use of facial recognition technology to penalize attendees of LGBTQ+ events and denies legal recognition to transgender and intersex individuals. The government justifies these measures by claiming to protect children’s moral development, while effectively suppressing rights associated with assembly, legal gender recognition, and same-sex adoption. This situation is further intertwined with the rise of extreme right political ideologies, promoting a narrative that positions LGBTQAI+ individuals as threats to traditional values. The legislation often occurs without public debate and is justified as a defense against perceived foreign liberal influences. The patterns in Hungary closely mirror aspects of Trumpism in the United States, characterized by right-wing populism, nationalism, and hostility toward minority rights, creating a polarized society where LGBTQAI+ communities are marginalized and treated as enemies of the nation.
The Roots of Totalitarian and Autocratic Regimes in Times of Suffering
Totalitarian and autocratic regimes often arise in societies facing significant hardship, such as economic instability and social trauma. Historical examples, particularly in Western Europe between the world wars, illustrate how economic depression and political instability can pave the way for authoritarian movements. In contemporary America, there are parallels to this trend, with rising economic inequality and stagnating median incomes creating disillusionment with democratic institutions. The wealth gap has widened dramatically, particularly affecting Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities. Additionally, the U.S. invests heavily in military expenditures—approximately $820 billion in 2023—burdening the national treasury and diverting funds from social programs. The chronic financial commitment to military operations has led to substantial interest payments on national debt, limiting investment in poverty alleviation. Furthermore, the psychological toll of ongoing warfare manifests in increased mental health issues for veterans and military families, contributing to societal fragmentation. Amid these challenges, many Americans turn to populist movements like Trumpism, seeking solutions to feelings of neglect and economic insecurity, often fueled by nationalist rhetoric and anti-elite sentiments reminiscent of historical authoritarianism. This combination of socioeconomic distress and political discontent may further entrench authoritarian tendencies in the future.
The Psychology of Paternal Authority: Understanding Trump and God as Father Figures
The perception of Donald Trump as a father figure is rooted in the "strict father" moral framework, identified by cognitive linguist George Lakoff, which underpins Republican political thought. This framework posits that the world is dangerous and requires a strong authority to protect and guide. Supporters of Trump embrace the "Daddy Trump" concept, interpreting it as a moral alignment rather than something odd, as seen in statements from various Republican leaders who describe him in paternal terms. Psychologically, Trump appeals to those longing for a protective father, presenting himself as a fixer and defender of traditional values. His paternalistic language reinforces this dynamic, promising to solve national problems directly, which resonates with individuals seeking stability in a tumultuous world. Additionally, Trump's relationship with running mate J.D. Vance exemplifies this father-son dynamic, where Vance sees Trump as a significant father figure, reflecting his own complex childhood experiences and desire for parental stability. Moreover, the concept of God as a father in Christianity parallels this framework, emphasizing a personal relationship characterized by redemption rather than mere creation. This intertwining of political and religious paternalism reveals deep cultural desires for authority, protection, and moral guidance.
Comprehensive Report on Trumpism
Trumpism is a nontraditional political philosophy associated with Donald Trump and his supporters, characterized by immigration restrictionism, trade protectionism, isolationism, and opposition to entitlement reform. Emerging during Trump's 2016 campaign, it gained significant attention and is seen as an extreme far-right ideology promoting market deregulation, nationalism, and authoritarian tendencies, with scholars viewing it as a grave threat to American democracy.
Central to Trumpism are populism, racism, isolationism, and authoritarianism—elements that undermine democratic institutions and foster societal division. It thrives on anti-establishment rhetoric, appealing to disenfranchised voters who blame globalization and immigration for economic hardships. Its "America First" nationalism advocates dismantling international commitments and emphasizes industrial strength and sovereignty, sometimes echoing isolationist and far-right historical sentiments.
Trumpism incorporates xenophobic and racist rhetoric, targeting minority groups and immigrants, while pursuing a strongman political style that challenges legal norms and presidential limits, asserting presidential authority above the law. Trump’s communication style uses emotional, vague slogans like "Make America Great Again" to mobilize supporters.
Economically, it advances protectionism, deregulation, tax cuts favoring business, and rollback of progressive policies. The movement has reshaped Republican Party identity toward loyalty to Trump and his agenda.
Internationally, Trumpism undermines the liberal world order, aligns with authoritarian leaders, and pressures European unity. It normalizes misinformation and extremist views while fueling fears of social displacement.
Looking forward, Trumpism remains a potent force, with potential heirs continuing its influence, necessitating critical reflection on its impact on democracy both in the U.S. and globally.