Polarization after Trump’s shooting: Consequences for the US and Europe

Why those USA are closer to us than we would like

The shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump in the state of Pennsylvania has caused a stir worldwide. It is becoming apparent that the Follow are more far-reaching than initially thought. The 78-year-old politician, who once again presents himself as an unshakable messiah, is now back at the center of the political stage with improved chances. But what does this mean for the political landscape in the USA and possibly for the rest of the world?

The political culture in the United States was already highly polarized before this event. Political discourse is mainly about denigrating the opponent rather than substantive debates, as was the case a few years ago under Barack Obama's presidency. This development is leading to an ever deeper division in the country.

A democratic confession

The current situation in the USA can be described as a democratic confession. Instead of debates about substantive issues such as health care reform, massive attacks on political opponents are now the focus. This type of political competition favors populists and their simple solutions, while real solutions often fall by the wayside.

The fact that things have come to this point in the USA is also due to the fact that the Democrats support a visibly aging president, Joe Biden. But even without his presidency, the division in the political culture would hardly have been preventable.

The effects of this polarization are not limited to the United States. The signal reaches as far as Europewhere countries such as France and Germany are also at risk of being pressured by extremists, such as supporters of the Rassemblement National (RN) in France and the AfD in Germany, who are both seeking a heightened political confrontation.

The more polarisation increases, the more likely it is that violent excesses will occur. This creates worrying scenarios that must now be considered a possible reality in many parts of Europe.

If Trump does indeed return to the White House, the West could be confronted with many uncomfortable questions. In Germany and other European countries in particular, the imitation of authoritarian tendencies could gain momentum. In the worst case, a situation could arise in which political opponents also call for and mobilize for violence.

It remains to be seen how the USA will develop from now on. But one thing is certain: the increasing social fragmentation and the playful attitude to the truth have the potential to make waves around the world. The lessons that can be learned from the current situation should be taken seriously. Because the USA may be closer to us than we would like.