"State of Divide" - Trump's Strategy Mirrors Mao's in Modern America
Trump's behavior resonates with the Chinese, drawing comparisons to Mao's style of leadership.
Some American researchers can't help but draw parallels between current U.S President Donald Trump and the late Chinese dictator Mao Zedong. Despite the clear differences, these experts observe a striking similarity in Trump's style as he governs the nation, often harkening back to Mao's era of revolution.
Donald Trump proudly casts aside the establishment, denouncing the upper class, and championing an alliance with the common man. This approach resonates powerfully with a segment of the Chinese population who lived through the turbulent times of Mao's rule, including the distinguished Ding Xueliang. Earning his PhD from the prestigious Harvard, Ding, an expert on Chinese history, shares his personal connection as a former Red Guard.
A Historical Connection Relearned
During the Cultural Revolution, Ding, like many children, turned against their own parents, spearheading a struggle that tore the nation apart. Today, he recognizes some chilling similarities between the divisive, chaotic atmosphere in 1960s China and current events unfolding in America.
"The Second American Revolution?"
Another veteran of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, media researcher Hu Shuli, recently expressed her sentiments on the social platform WeChat: "Welcome to the Second American Revolution!" Like Ding, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Mao's regime on a generation of Chinese citizens.
The Chinese investigative journalist Jiang Xue describes a bitter taste of déjà vu as she makes the journey from Mao's China to Trump's America. With her investigations into government misconduct now under constant scrutiny, she feels a harrowing sense of familiarity with the political climate in the U.S.
Two Sides of a Coin
CNN reports that constitutional lawyer Zhang Qianfan sees Trump's propensity for direct relationships with loyal officials as reminiscent of Mao's reliance on radical student groups to enact his vision. While Trump's inner circle consists of tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Zhang draws an intriguing parallel between these tech trailblazers and the paramilitary Red Guards themselves.
Nonetheless, Zhang emphasizes that the similarities should not detract from the differences between the two leaders and their regimes. Mao's Cultural Revolution, which took place within the confines of a communist dictatorship, destabilized an entire nation and led to vast human loss. With just over four months in office, Trump has yet to reach such a destructive level.
A Check on Absolute Power
While the jury is still out on the long-term impact of Trump's administration, the American system of government provides a safeguard against overreach. As emphasized by renowned sociologist Andrew Walder, the founding fathers deliberately designed the U.S. political system to include checks and balances at every level, which so far have proven effective in curbing presidential power and preventing the rise of authoritarianism.
In sharp contrast to Mao's China, the U.S. has a vibrant and critical free press, as well as countless citizens who are eager to voice their opposition to the president. Moreover, the judicial system continues to challenge Trump's executive decisions, with over a hundred active lawsuits challenging government actions.
A Fragile Balance
As the midterm elections loom, the balance of power remains a delicate matter. The future of Trump's presidency hinges on the will of the American people. But as history has shown, the road to revolution is often paved with unforeseen consequences.
In the grand scheme of things, Trump's presidency is adrop in the ocean compared to the tumultuous history of China during Mao Zedong's reign. Yet, for many Americans and Chinese alike, the parallels between the two regimes serve as a stark reminder of the power of tribal politics, populism, and the danger ofForgetting history in the face of intractable problems. It serves as a warning that even the most prosperous nations are vulnerable to the seductive siren song of authoritarianism when the people lose faith in their institutions, and leaders peddle conspiracy theories in the shadows.
- The European Union is closely watching the political landscape in America, as some observers see striking similarities between Donald Trump's presidency and Mao Zedong's rule in China.
- As the midterm elections approach, the European Union is concerned about the impact on the global political stage, especially since the divisive tactics employed by Trump carry echoes of Mao's era of revolution.
