The victory of Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election had a significant impact worldwide, particularly among Europe’s far right parties. The assumption is that Trump’s win seemed to validate the populist, nationalist sentiments that these parties represent. His defeat of the establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton, sent a signal that traditional political norms could be overturned.
However, the empowerment felt by Europe’s far right could be short-lived. Trump’s tenure was marked by controversy, impeachment, and an eventual loss in the 2020 election, consequences directly related to his combative style and divisive policies. These outcomes could serve as warnings to European right-wing populists. There is a probability that voters may perceive the potential dangers of such disruptive political strategies.
Furthermore, mainstream parties in Europe could potentially learn from Trump’s win by addressing the issues that the far-right parties have exploited – immigration, economic inequality, and disillusionment with the political establishment. By addressing these issues effectively, they could take away the far right’s key mobilizing issues.
Lastly, the political landscape in Europe and the United States are quite different. The multiparty systems that exist in many European countries often require coalition-building and compromise, a stark contrast to the two-party system found in the U.S. This reality could limit the effectiveness of a Trump-style political strategy in a European context.
Therefore, while Trump’s initial win was a morale boost for Europe’s far right, the long-term implications may not necessarily sustain their momentum.
