Sunset of democracy. What does Donald Trump's "new conservatism" bring?

Sabirjan Badretdinov, journalist (USA)

The US Republican Party is undergoing a gradual metamorphosis. To some extent, it has already happened. The essence of this metamorphosis is a turn from Reagan-type conservatism to Trumpism.

Under Reagan, the party advocated a reduction in the role of the state in all areas of activity, for a more active role of the United States in the international arena (that is, for the “role of a policeman” in the world), for a strong alliance of the United States with other Western countries (primarily with European ones) , for the strengthening of NATO, for opposition to any dictatorships, for the rule of law, for the preservation of the world order established after the Second World War and for the strengthening of democracy in the world (including in the United States itself).

Trump began to change the party towards his individual preferences, which differ from traditional conservative principles and which, unexpectedly for many, turned out to be quite popular among the ranks of the party and its voters.

Trump is for using the full power of the state to advance its goals and, accordingly, for expanding the functions of the state for these purposes.

He is for American nationalism and isolationism, which in fact means a sharply anti-immigration policy and a rejection of the traditional US role of "cop" in the international arena.

He is not concerned about the prospect of the destruction of the post-war world order, as shown by his indifference to Russia's special operation in Ukraine.

He fully admits the need for illegal and unconstitutional actions, as shown by his refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, his blackmailing of local officials for this purpose, and his support for the unconstitutional January 6 riot. All this is contrary to the rule of law.

And finally, Trump for close US relations with all sorts of dictators he admires. He completely abandoned the task of spreading and defending democracy in the world.

Of course, under all these views it is necessary to bring a theoretical basis and train the appropriate personnel for their implementation. This is done by new think tanks that have emerged since Trump's victory in the 2016 election.

Traditional conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute did similar work for the old Republican Party.

They are not suitable for the Trump party. Therefore, new think tanks have emerged. The most famous of them is the Claremont Institute, located in the town of Claremont in California. He trains Trump's cadres and develops theoretical justifications for the "new conservatism."

In addition to it, there are other centers such as

american Compass,

america first policy institute,

Center for Renewing America,

american moment,

America First Legal, etc.

Most of them emerged after 2020 and are little known even among people interested in politics.

But their influence is gradually growing. And this means that even if Trump does not run for a second term, his political views and principles will not disappear anywhere. Many conservative politicians will rely on the advice of these think tanks and the support of Trumpist voters.

All this does not bode well for American democracy, however sad it is to admit.