The Empire Strikes Back: Trump, Musk, And The New Nationalism In America And Europe – OpEd
A chill wind sweeps across the West, carrying echoes of a past many assumed buried. From Washington to Berlin, Paris to Vienna, the spectre of far-right nationalism has re-emerged, reshaping political landscapes with alarming speed. The return of Donald Trump to the forefront of American politics, the growing influence of Elon Musk in shaping global discourse, and the emboldening of nationalist parties across Europe are not isolated phenomena. They are symptoms of a deeper malaise—an era of economic precarity, cultural anxiety, and democratic fragility, all exacerbated by the inherent contradictions of late-stage capitalism.
Capitalism’s crisis has always been the breeding ground for reactionary movements. As economic inequality deepens and faith in democratic institutions wanes, the far right steps into the void with seductive promises of strength, stability, and a return to a mythologized past. But is this simply another populist wave, or are we witnessing a second incarnation of the forces that brought Europe to the brink in the 20th century? And if so, will America’s ‘Trump-Musk Doctrine’—a blend of economic nationalism, tech dominance, and political demagoguery—push the world further down this perilous path?
“Trump-Musk Doctrine’—a blend of economic nationalism
The seeds of this resurgence lie in the shattered dreams of globalization. Decades of neoliberal policy have hollowed out industrial heartlands, outsourced jobs, and replaced stable employment with gig work and automation. The promise of prosperity has turned into disillusionment, fuelling resentment among the working and middle classes. As wages stagnate and wealth accumulates in fewer hands, the far right exploits this frustration, channelling economic grievances into cultural anxieties.
But history warns us that economic hardship alone does not birth fascism. It is the perception of a stolen future—combined with the failure of democratic institutions to provide solutions—that drives people toward authoritarian alternatives. The erosion of social safety nets, the dismantling of unions, and the weakening of protections for workers have left many feeling abandoned by the very systems meant to uplift them. When mainstream parties fail to address these concerns, the siren call of nationalist strongmen becomes all the more enticing.
How Capitalism’s Crisis Fuels the Far Right’s Resurgence
The resurgence of the far right today is not merely a political movement; it is an economic project, one deeply intertwined with the interests of capital. Figures like Elon Musk, with their vast wealth and unprecedented control over digital communication platforms, have become powerful allies in this shift. Musk’s embrace of political figures like Trump and his vocal opposition to progressive policies underscore the symbiotic relationship between economic elites and reactionary politics. His rhetoric against ‘woke’ culture, his attacks on regulatory oversight, and his advocacy for unfettered capitalism serve to reinforce the narratives peddled by the far right.
Trump, meanwhile, remains the linchpin of the American iteration of this movement. His return to power would mark a consolidation of forces seeking to reshape the global order in the name of ‘America First’—a doctrine that merges economic nationalism with political authoritarianism. His disdain for international alliances, preference for strongman diplomacy, and contempt for democratic institutions mirror the playbook of 20th-century fascists. Yet, unlike his predecessors, Trump’s vision is amplified by a digital ecosystem controlled by a handful of billionaire technocrats, making it more insidious and far-reaching.
Europe’s Slide Toward the Right
Across the Atlantic, the shadow of resurgent nationalism lengthens, as evidenced by the growing influence of parties like Alternative for Germany, France’s National Rally, and Austria’s Freedom Party. These movements capitalize on fears of immigration, economic instability, and cultural erosion, positioning themselves as defenders of ‘true’ national identity against perceived external threats. But beyond their populist rhetoric lies a familiar strategy: the scapegoating of minorities, the vilification of progressive movements, and the erosion of democratic norms under the guise of security and tradition.
Germany, long considered a bulwark against right-wing extremism, now finds itself grappling with the normalization of far-right discourse. The AfD, once dismissed as a fringe movement, has made significant electoral gains, particularly in economically disenfranchised regions.
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France has strategically shifted its focus from overt xenophobia to a more palatable form of nationalism, tapping into the frustrations of those who perceive themselves as victims of globalization.
The far right’s rise in Europe, however, is not merely a domestic affair. It is being bolstered by transatlantic ties to the American right, with figures like Trump and Musk lending ideological and financial support to their European counterparts. The shared language of ‘national renewal,’ disdain for globalism, and attacks on the press and judicial independence reveal a coordinated effort to reshape democracy in their own image.
Is This Fascism?
The question remains: does this moment constitute a second coming of fascism, or is it merely a reactionary backlash that will burn out as economic conditions improve? Critics argue that while the far right has adopted the aesthetics of past authoritarian movements, it lacks the same organized militarism or explicit totalitarian aims. Unlike Hitler’s Third Reich or Mussolini’s Italy, today’s right-wing resurgence operates within democratic frameworks, leveraging elections and legal loopholes rather than outright coups.
Yet, the essence of fascism is not in its uniforms or salutes but in its core philosophy: the merging of corporate and state power, the suppression of dissent, and the subjugation of the ‘other’ in the name of national purity. The rise of state-sanctioned disinformation, the crackdown on press freedoms, and the increasing politicization of the judiciary all point to a disturbing trend. The danger lies in the gradual erosion of democratic norms, the slow normalization of authoritarian tactics, and the public’s growing desensitization to extreme rhetoric.
The Road Ahead: Resisting the New Authoritarianism
If history offers any guidance, it is that the fight against fascism is not won through complacency. The left must not simply react to the far right’s rise; it must present a compelling alternative. This means addressing the root causes of economic inequality, reinvesting in social safety nets, and reclaiming the language of national pride from reactionary forces. It also requires a reckoning with the unchecked power of tech billionaires who, through their platforms and influence, have become kingmakers in modern politics.
A renewed commitment to democratic values—press freedom, independent judiciary, and political pluralism—is essential. The failure to counter these forces with meaningful policy solutions will only embolden them further. The gilded cage of late-stage capitalism, if left unchecked, will continue to foster the very crises that fuel authoritarian resurgence.
The stakes could not be higher. The world is not yet at the precipice of full-fledged fascism, but it stands at a dangerous crossroads. Whether it veers toward a darker path or reclaims its democratic ideals will depend on the choices made in the coming years. The spectre of the past looms large, but the future is still unwritten.
