Veblen's America: The Conspicuous Case of Donald J. Trump

Donald Trump's rise to the US presidency challenges conventional understandings of American politics, reflecting a fusion of barbarism and liberal democracy. Thorstein Veblen's theory of American development explores this phenomenon, highlighting the nation's misogyny, racism, and xenophobia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2018
Publisher: Anthem Press

Donald Trump's meteoric rise to the US presidency defies conventional perceptions of American politics, yet he remains distinctly American. His biography and family heritage showcase American traditions like real estate hustling and bold salesmanship. However, Trump's resilience also bears the imprint of darker American legacies, including misogyny, racism, and xenophobia, which, as described by Thorstein Veblen, constitute a "sclerosis of the American soul." By employing Veblen's theory of American development, this essay delves into the nation's peculiar amalgamation of barbarism and liberal democracy, drawing upon the sociologist's early twentieth-century insights to shed light on the Trump phenomenon that has posed a significant threat to early twenty-first-century American democracy.

Introduction:
Donald Trump's ascension to the US presidency has stirred up considerable debate and controversy, challenging traditional notions of American politics. While his background and family history reflect certain American traditions, such as real estate entrepreneurship and aggressive salesmanship, his resilience also reveals the darker undercurrents of misogyny, racism, and xenophobia that have shaped the nation's history. In this essay, we will explore the Trump phenomenon through the lens of Veblen's theory of American development, seeking to understand how it has impacted and threatened the foundations of American democracy.

Veblen's Theory of American Development:
Thorstein Veblen, a prominent sociologist of the early twentieth century, developed a theory of American development that sought to explain the unique characteristics of the American economy and society. According to Veblen, American society evolved from a primitive state of barbarism to a more advanced state of liberal democracy. However, this development was not without its challenges. Veblen argued that as society progressed, it became increasingly susceptible to the influence of "pecuniary motives," which led to a decline in moral values and a focus on material wealth and consumption.

Trump's Rise to Power:
Donald Trump's rise to power is a prime example of how Veblen's theory of American development can be applied to contemporary politics. Trump's campaign was characterized by his bold and brash salesmanship, his promise to "make America great again," and his appeal to working-class Americans who felt left behind by the mainstream political establishment. Trump's success can be attributed to his ability to tap into the frustrations and anxieties of these voters, who were seeking a change from the status quo.

The Barbarism and Liberal Democracy Fusion:
However, Trump's rise to power also reflects the fusion of barbarism and liberal democracy that Veblen predicted. While Trump's campaign rhetoric emphasized the importance of national security, economic growth, and job creation, his policies have often been characterized by a disregard for ethical norms and a prioritization of personal gain. This fusion of barbarism and liberal democracy has led to a decline in social cohesion, a rise in political polarization, and a threat to the democratic institutions that underpin American society.

The Threat to American Democracy:
The threat posed by the Trump phenomenon extends beyond the borders of the United States. Trump's rhetoric and policies have inspired similar movements and ideologies in other countries, leading to a global rise in authoritarianism and a decline in democratic values. This has implications for the stability and security of the world, as authoritarian regimes are more likely to engage in aggression and human rights abuses.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Donald Trump's rise to the US presidency challenges conventional understandings of American politics and reflects the fusion of barbarism and liberal democracy that Veblen predicted. While Trump's biography and family heritage showcase certain American traditions, his resilience also bears the imprint of darker American legacies. The Trump phenomenon has posed a significant threat to early twenty-first-century American democracy, and it is essential to address the underlying issues that have contributed to its rise. This requires a commitment to promoting social cohesion, promoting ethical norms, and upholding the democratic institutions that underpin American society.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783088720