YPS - Review

The Re-election of Donald Trump and the Limitations of Democracy

Sieon Jeon

November 8th, 2024

Look who’s back in Washington D.C. Donald Trump became the first president in 139 years to hold two separate terms. This is ironic because a figure so despised, so demonized has risen from the dead in just four years. In his victory speech, he made clear that he would reintroduce the policies of stronger border enforcement and aggressive America-first-ism. How did this happen? How did Donald Trump, despite having been impeached – not once, but twice – still get reelected? What consequences does this have on the global political landscape? Has democracy truly perished? 

Before I move on to further arguments, I believe it is only fair to make my intentions clear – yes, this is indeed a nuanced essay with my personal political opinion taken into account. Donald Trump is a figure who symbolizes 21st-century ochlocracy. People – especially post-Covid – have become increasingly more individualistic than before. Living alone is, at least temporarily, more beneficial than caring for others. The pandemic showed how amidst times of chaos, people are ultimately and fundamentally inclined to care for themselves, not others. The same principle applies to politics as well. Why should Americans care? Why should they continue their liberal approach to foreign relations? Why should they carry the burden of safeguarding world peace and democracy? The world certainly doesn’t deserve this – especially for free – right? 

It is hard to tackle the Trumpist logic. While it is true that America was a nation built upon the principles of freedom, peace, and the pursuit of happiness. For many years past, America, at least superficially, proclaimed the title of the “Global Guardian” for those specific reasons – that’s the American spirit. However, nowhere in its constitution does it state that it shall help the world achieve it. The American spirit is dead. We are living in a time of crisis. Americans, ultimately and fundamentally, will vote to care about themselves, and themselves only. 

So what’s my conclusion? My conclusion is that we should start considering full independence from America. The day Korea was liberated, the Star-spangled Banner was hoisted, not the Taegukki. We should begin to move on to the next stage of democracy – the stage of voluntary democracy where we govern ourselves. We cannot rely on the protection of America – why would they care? At most, we are nothing more than a mere “money-printing machine” for Trumpist America. We should consider the alternate option of increasing our independent strength in times of global turmoil. International cooperation to many extents is beginning to wear out. We have to come together to get our stuff together before it's too late – and yes, history repeats itself.