Is it possible that Donald Trump, the controversial US president, has embraced a Nazi theorist's vision of a divided world? This idea might seem far-fetched, but it's a theory that has gained traction among Trump's critics.
The work of Carl Schmitt, the Nazis' renowned political theorist, has been compared to Trump's domestic policies, particularly his doctrine of 'the exception,' which allows for the suspension of certain constitutional rights. But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that Trump's foreign policy decisions, such as his stance on Venezuela, Greenland, and various Latin American countries, as well as his apparent leniency towards Russia, align with Schmitt's concept of 'great space.'
Schmitt, like many Germans, was bitter about their country's defeat in World War I and the subsequent 'colonization' by the victorious powers. He viewed international law as a tool to keep Germany suppressed and facilitate resource exploitation. Schmitt's scorn was particularly directed at the British, whom he saw as hypocritical 'universalists,' preaching free trade and internationalism while building an immense empire. In contrast, he praised the Americans for largely confining themselves to their continent during the 19th century, in line with the Monroe Doctrine.
In a 1939 lecture, Schmitt proposed his solution: the world should be divided into 'great spaces,' each dominated by an empire at its core. Each great space would have its own unique identity, mission, and influence over neighboring states. Outside powers, which Schmitt termed 'spatially alien,' would be barred from interfering. Clearly, Schmitt envisioned Nazi Germany as the central Reich of the European great space, protected from Anglo-American influence.
Schmitt's vision, laced with antisemitism, failed. The 'Anglo-Saxon' powers refused to stay out of Europe and eventually confronted Hitler. The Reich was destroyed, but not before causing immense harm, especially to Europe's Jewish population. Schmitt, known as a Nazi regime representative, was widely criticized and never held another academic position after 1945. However, his ideas continued to influence both the right and left, within Germany and beyond.
In recent times, Schmitt's ideas have found new supporters, particularly in anti-western 'challenger' states like Russia. His rejection of western universalism and his concept of great spaces free from external interference resonate with Moscow and Beijing. For instance, Alexander Dugin, a notorious Eurasianist and key advisor to Putin, has been a strong advocate of Schmittian ideas. Dugin, like Schmitt, calls for Russia to spread its conservative and Christian Orthodox principles to neighboring states, excluding western influence.
With Trump's willingness to impose territorial losses on Ukraine, some have suggested that we are witnessing a Schmitt-style division of the world. However, this theory is probably misguided. While the Trump administration has prioritized the western hemisphere, invoking the Monroe Doctrine, the doctrine has evolved into a one-way street, with the US asserting its power across other continents while rejecting outside influence in the Americas.
Trump's actions so far align with the expansive American tradition. There's no indication that he acknowledges other spheres of influence, except perhaps in certain parts of Ukraine. Trump's aggressive moves against Iran, Russia, and his support for crippling Ukrainian attacks on Russia's oil infrastructure do not suggest strategic collusion or an understanding based on spheres of influence. Trump is a narcissist, not a fascist, and he will not tolerate any rivals.
So, while the comparison between Trump and Schmitt's vision is intriguing, it's important to consider the context and the unique dynamics at play. What do you think? Is there any truth to this theory, or is it a stretch? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
