In this election, Trump’s victory can be seen as not merely a political win but a cultural one. His “America First” rhetoric, promise to protect religious liberties, and stance on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights resonate strongly with the conservative Christian base. Additionally, his direct style and willingness to challenge established norms appeal to those who feel sidelined by the mainstream political establishment.

The recent U.S. presidential election delivered an unexpected blow to the Democratic Party, with the Republicans securing a sweeping victory. Not only did they reclaim the presidency, but they also seized the Senate majority, consolidating power across branches and sending a shockwave through Democratic ranks. Many observers and Democrats alike are asking: how did this happen? While the incumbency factor might provide a surface-level explanation, as Trump’s loss to Biden previously demonstrated, the roots of this seismic shift go far deeper. Beyond simple cycles of political turnover, this victory signifies a profound shift towards right-wing ideology that is resonating globally.

The Incumbency Cycle: An Incomplete Explanation

On the surface, it’s easy to attribute this electoral result to the incumbency cycle. Since recent elections have shown a pattern where candidates challenging the incumbent party have a slight advantage, it seems plausible that the pendulum was bound to swing back to the Republicans. Trump’s previous loss to Biden and Hillary Clinton’s loss to Trump were often chalked up to this natural ebb and flow in American politics. However, viewing the result merely as an example of political rotation overlooks the deeper forces at play that have increasingly driven voters toward right-wing policies.

The Rise of Right-Wing Ideologies: A Global Phenomenon

To fully understand this shift, it’s essential to place it within a broader global trend. The rise of right-wing ideologies, often deeply intertwined with religious and nationalist values, has been gaining momentum across continents. This trend is not unique to the United States. Across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, there has been a notable surge in right-wing movements, fueled by economic anxiety, a backlash against liberal values, and a growing preference for policies rooted in faith and tradition.

Europe: In countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Italy, nationalist and conservative parties have gained traction by appealing to a sense of traditional values and resisting what they perceive as the encroachment of liberal, globalist ideals. Parties advocating stricter immigration policies, emphasizing Christian heritage, and promoting traditional family structures have achieved significant victories.

Asia: India’s political landscape has similarly seen a strong right-wing shift, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) embracing Hindu nationalist rhetoric and policies. The appeal to Hindu fundamentalism has mobilized large portions of the population who view this as a reaffirmation of cultural identity in a rapidly globalizing world.

The Middle East: In predominantly Islamic countries, conservative movements emphasizing fundamentalist interpretations of Islam have risen to prominence, with parties and factions often drawing support from citizens who see these ideals as foundational to their national and cultural identity.

The global trend suggests that voters increasingly gravitate towards leaders and parties that promote cultural and religious heritage, sovereignty, and a promise to protect traditional values.

The Role of Faith in U.S. Politics: The Trump Phenomenon

One of the defining characteristics of Trump’s support base has been its alignment with Christian values, particularly among evangelical Christians and rural Americans. For this demographic, Trump represented a leader who not only defended but celebrated their identity and values, positioning himself as a bulwark against what many of his supporters view as an encroaching secular, liberal agenda.

In this election, Trump’s victory can be seen as not merely a political win but a cultural one. His “America First” rhetoric, promise to protect religious liberties, and stance on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights resonate strongly with the conservative Christian base. Additionally, his direct style and willingness to challenge established norms appeal to those who feel sidelined by the mainstream political establishment.

The power of Trumpism lies in its commitment to consolidate power within the executive branch, focusing authority and decision-making with the president, and aligning policies with Christian values. Trump’s approach, often aggressive and polarizing, has garnered fierce loyalty among his followers, who view him as a defender of their faith and identity.

The Wealthy and Feudal Elements in Right-Wing Politics

Another dimension of Trumpism, and indeed of many right-wing movements globally, is the alignment with wealth and feudal or elite structures. Policies that favor the wealthy, reduce corporate taxes, and cut down on social welfare have been central to the Trump agenda. This is reflective of a broader trend within right-wing politics that favors a return to more hierarchical social structures, with limited intervention in wealth redistribution and a preference for private over public solutions.

Historically, right-wing ideologies have often championed the cause of wealthy elites, as they are viewed as the protectors of national stability, economic growth, and cultural heritage. In the U.S., the Trump administration’s tax cuts for corporations, deregulation initiatives, and business-friendly policies align with this framework, positioning the wealthy and economically powerful as central to the nation’s strength.

This pattern of elite-driven right-wing governance is visible across the world. Whether it is the oligarchs in Russia, the monarchy in Saudi Arabia, or the business-friendly policies in India, the fusion of right-wing ideology with wealth and elite structures is a notable global trend.

Religion, Identity, and Nationalism: The Heart of Right-Wing Movements

While wealth and elite influence play a significant role, the deeper driver of right-wing momentum globally is often the question of identity. Religion, for instance, serves as a powerful force in defining identity and mobilizing political support. Right-wing leaders, including Trump, Modi, and others, have tapped into a sense of national identity that is intrinsically tied to religious values, offering voters a sense of belonging and protection against perceived threats.

In the U.S., Trump has successfully channeled this by presenting himself as a champion of “real” American values, often with an overt nod to Christian beliefs. His messaging resonates particularly in rural America, where communities often feel alienated from the urban, liberal policies emanating from Washington, D.C. Trump’s appeal is rooted in this idea of defending an American way of life that feels under siege, with religion and traditional values at its core.

The Implications for American Democracy

As right-wing forces continue to gain ground in the U.S., one of the pressing questions is what this means for the future of American democracy. Trump’s victory could signify a shift toward a governance style that centralizes power in the executive branch, challenging the traditional checks and balances of the American system. Additionally, the increasing sway of religious and nationalist elements could lead to policy changes that impact not only social issues but also the nature of American democracy itself.

While Trump’s victory represents a triumph for his base, it also raises questions about inclusivity, tolerance, and the protection of minority rights within the American political system. Right-wing ideologies often prioritize majoritarian values, which can create tensions in a diverse democracy where inclusivity and equal representation are foundational principles.

Looking Forward: A Global Movement with Local Consequences

The Republican victory in the U.S. presidential election, therefore, is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a broader global movement that sees right-wing ideology gaining strength by tapping into cultural, religious, and nationalistic sentiments. This shift suggests that American democracy, much like other democratic systems worldwide, is entering a new phase, one where right-wing policies and values hold significant sway.

As the U.S. navigates this new landscape, the world watches closely, aware that these changes reflect a global shift towards conservatism and right-wing governance. How the U.S. balances these forces with the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and tolerance will be a defining challenge in the years to come. The victory of Trumpism is not just a political win; it represents a broader ideological shift with far-reaching implications for the “greatest democracy in the world.”

(The author is Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama. He can be reached at salujaindra@gmail.com)