In the annals of history, 2017 shall be remembered as a tumultuous chapter, marked by the rise of the strongman. It was a year characterized by seismic shifts in global politics, with the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States serving as the harbinger of a new era. As the world watched the transfer of power in the world’s foremost superpower, little did they realize that it would set the stage for a resurgence of authoritarianism and populism across the globe.
The inauguration of President Trump on January 20, 2017, was a watershed moment that reverberated worldwide. His unorthodox campaign, fueled by populist rhetoric and promises of restoring American greatness, resonated deeply with a significant portion of the electorate disenchanted with the status quo. With his ascent to power, the traditional norms of politics were upended, giving way to a brash and unapologetic style of leadership that would come to define the year.
Trump wasted no time in flexing his executive muscle, swiftly issuing a flurry of controversial executive orders that sought to fulfill his campaign promises. From the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim-majority countries to the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, his actions sent shockwaves across the international community, igniting fierce debates and triggering protests both at home and abroad.
Yet, Trump was not alone in embracing the strongman playbook. In Europe, leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey solidified their grip on power, employing tactics that eroded democratic institutions and stifled dissent. Orbán, in particular, capitalized on fears surrounding immigration and national identity to consolidate his authority, while Erdoğan’s crackdown on political opponents reached alarming levels.
Meanwhile, in Russia, Vladimir Putin continued to wield power with an iron fist, employing a combination of propaganda, repression, and geopolitical maneuvering to maintain his dominance both domestically and on the world stage. The Kremlin’s interference in foreign elections and its annexation of Crimea served as stark reminders of Putin’s willingness to flout international norms in pursuit of his objectives.
The strongman phenomenon was not confined to the realm of politics. In the realm of global affairs, leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Kim Jong-un of North Korea asserted their influence with assertiveness bordering on belligerence. Xi’s consolidation of power and ambitious Belt and Road Initiative signaled China’s aspirations for global leadership, while Kim’s provocative missile tests brought the Korean Peninsula to the brink of conflict, testing the resolve of the international community.
The year 2017 also witnessed a resurgence of nationalism and nativism, as exemplified by the Brexit process unfolding in the United Kingdom. The decision to leave the European Union, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment and a desire to reclaim sovereignty, underscored the growing backlash against globalization and supranational institutions perceived as encroaching on national identity and autonomy.
Amidst the geopolitical upheaval, a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions unfolded in the Middle East, as the Syrian civil war raged on unabated. The brutal crackdown by the Assad regime, aided by Russian military intervention, led to widespread devastation and displacement, laying bare the limitations of the international community in resolving complex conflicts.
In hindsight, 2017 emerges as a pivotal moment in the trajectory of global politics, signaling the erosion of liberal democratic values and the ascent of authoritarianism and populism. The year of the strongman saw leaders across the world emboldened to pursue their agendas with impunity, challenging the established norms of governance and diplomacy.
However, amidst the challenges and uncertainties, there were glimmers of hope and resilience. Civil society movements emerged as bulwarks against encroaching authoritarianism, championing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. From the Women’s March in the United States to pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, ordinary citizens refused to be silenced, reminding the world that the fight for freedom and justice knows no borders.
As the curtains closed on 2017, the echoes of the year of the strongman reverberated into the future, leaving a profound impact on the global landscape. The events of that fateful year served as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the constant vigilance required to safeguard its principles in the face of authoritarian encroachment. Whether it heralded a new era dominated by strongman politics or galvanized a renewed commitment to democratic ideals, only time would tell. But one thing remained certain – the year 2017 left an indelible mark on the annals of history, shaping the course of the 21st century in ways yet to be fully realized.