Part 5/12:
Ferguson compared Trump’s foreign policy to a “Nixonian” strategy, emphasizing the importance of American resilience, the decline of international institutions, and a recalibration of U.S. global presence.
The Role of Elections and Public Sentiment
Despite the narrow margins and a perceived lack of a sweeping “mandate,” Trump’s policies and style have generated enduring change. Hansen pointed out that election outcomes, often close, do not necessarily reflect long-term cultural or structural shifts, but Trump’s persistence, especially as a non-consecutive two-term president, underscores his influence.
Ferguson noted the “vibe shift,” indicating a broader societal reaction against liberal norms and institutions, which Trump has exploited and amplified.