This Happened Here: Amerikaners, Neoliberals, and the Trumping of America

The author uses a fascism frame to explain new forms of fascism today and why solutions need to be bold enough to meet these new challenges. They explain how Trump tapped into reactionary tendencies embedded in the nation's founding and frontier history due to the crisis of social cohesion and bourgeois democracy imposed by late 20th and 21st-century capitalism. They also trace the mainstream intellectuals' remarkable and stubborn denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 306 pages
\n Publication date: 29 December 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

Fascism is a complex and evolving phenomenon that has taken on new forms in the modern world. In this essay, we will explore the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies and why solutions must be bold and innovative to meet these challenges.

The rise of new fascist movements and ideologies can be attributed to a range of factors, including economic instability, social inequality, and political polarization. One of the most significant factors contributing to the rise of fascism is the crisis of social cohesion and bourgeois democracy imposed by late 20th and 21st century capitalism.

Late 20th and 21st century capitalism has created a global economic system that is highly unequal and unstable. This has led to widespread economic insecurity and resentment among many people, particularly those who are marginalized and excluded from the benefits of economic growth. As a result, some individuals have turned to fascist movements and ideologies as a means of expressing their anger and frustration.

Fascist movements and ideologies often promote a vision of a strong, authoritarian government that can restore order and stability to a society that is perceived to be in decline. They often appeal to traditional values and symbols, such as nationalism, militarism, and anti-immigration sentiment, to gain support from their followers.

One of the most notable examples of new fascism in the modern world is the presidency of Donald Trump in the United States. Trump tapped into reactionary tendencies embedded in the nation's founding and frontier history, which rose to the fore due to the crisis of social cohesion and bourgeois democracy imposed by late 20th and 21st century capitalism.

Trump's presidency was characterized by a range of fascist-like policies and rhetoric, including the construction of a border wall, the promotion of nationalism, and the demonization of immigrants and other marginalized groups. Trump's policies have had a devastating impact on many communities, particularly those of color and immigrants, and have contributed to a rise in social inequality and political polarization.

Despite the clear fascist nature of the Trump presidency, many mainstream intellectuals have been remarkably and stubbornly denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency. This denial is often driven by a range of factors, including political ideology, economic interests, and a desire to maintain the status quo.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency is political ideology. Many mainstream intellectuals are committed to a liberal or progressive ideology that emphasizes individual rights, social justice, and democracy. They view fascism as a threat to these values and are unwilling to acknowledge the fascist tendencies of the Trump administration.

Economic interests are also a significant factor contributing to the denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency. Many mainstream intellectuals are tied to the economic system that has created widespread economic inequality and instability. They are unwilling to challenge the status quo and are therefore reluctant to acknowledge the fascist tendencies of the Trump administration.

Finally, a desire to maintain the status quo is a significant factor contributing to the denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency. Many mainstream intellectuals are afraid of the consequences of acknowledging the fascist nature of the Trump presidency, including the loss of political support and the potential for social unrest.

Despite the denial of the fascist nature of the Trump presidency by many mainstream intellectuals, it is clear that the Trump administration has embraced fascist-like policies and rhetoric. These policies have had a devastating impact on many communities, particularly those of color and immigrants, and have contributed to a rise in social inequality and political polarization.

To address the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies, it is essential that solutions be bold and innovative. This means that we must challenge the status quo and embrace a range of policies and initiatives that promote social cohesion, economic equality, and political democracy.

One of the most effective ways to address the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies is to promote social cohesion. This can be achieved through a range of policies and initiatives, including education, community engagement, and social welfare programs. By promoting social cohesion, we can help to reduce the sense of insecurity and resentment that can lead to fascist movements and ideologies.

Another effective way to address the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies is to promote economic equality. This can be achieved through a range of policies and initiatives, including progressive taxation, labor rights, and social safety nets. By promoting economic equality, we can help to reduce the sense of economic insecurity that can lead to fascist movements and ideologies.

Finally, it is essential to promote political democracy. This can be achieved through a range of policies and initiatives, including free and fair elections, civil liberties, and the protection of human rights. By promoting political democracy, we can help to ensure that the voices of all people are heard and that the government is accountable to the people.

In conclusion, the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies is a complex and evolving phenomenon that requires bold and innovative solutions. By promoting social cohesion, economic equality, and political democracy, we can help to address the rise of new fascist movements and ideologies and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

\n Weight: 464g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781032150598\n \n