Chris Hedges on Trump, Epstein and the decline of American democracy | UpFront

Key Concepts

• Imperial Boomerang: The return of repressive mechanisms used by imperial powers abroad back to their homeland.
• Authoritarianism: A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.
• Micromilitarism: Increased military spending and adventurism as a characteristic of declining empires.
• Gerrymandering: Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party.
• Paramilitary Forces: Unofficial, often unaccountable, armed groups operating with some degree of state support.
• Atrophied Democracy: A weakened and ineffective democratic system.
• Oligarchy: Rule by a small group of powerful, wealthy individuals.

The Erosion of Democracy: From Imperial Overreach to Domestic Repression

This discussion with journalist and author Chris Hedges centers on the alarming rise of authoritarianism, both globally and within the United States, and the potential for a compromised 2024 election. Hedges argues that these trends are not isolated incidents but are deeply rooted in the historical trajectory of empires and the inherent dangers of unchecked power.

The "Imperial Boomerang" and the Return of Repression

Hedges introduces the concept of the “imperial boomerang,” drawing from the work of Frantz Fanon and Thucydides. Fanon, in Discourses on Colonialism, observed that the tools and methods of repression employed by imperial powers in subjugating colonized populations inevitably return to haunt the imperial center. Thucydides made a similar observation regarding the Athenian empire, noting that the tyranny imposed on others was ultimately imposed on Athens itself.

Hedges illustrates this with specific examples: the mechanisms of repression used by the French in Algeria, the British in India, and the Germans in Namibia (specifically the Herero and Namaqua genocide) resurfaced in modified forms within those same imperial nations. He connects this directly to the present day, arguing that the tools of subjugation familiar to Palestinians – militarized police, wholesale surveillance, and unaccountable paramilitary forces like ICE – are now being deployed domestically. He cites the case of Minnesota, where 96 court orders issued to ICE were defied, highlighting a dangerous breakdown of the rule of law. He draws parallels to the actions of Modi in India, Erdogan in Turkey, and Sisi in Egypt, all of whom utilize similar vigilante forces.

The Threat to the 2024 Election and Trump’s Actions

The conversation turns to the upcoming 2024 election, with Hedges expressing deep concern about its fairness and integrity. Donald Trump’s repeated denial of the 2020 election results and his recent call for Republicans to “take over” the elections are viewed as direct threats to the democratic process. Hedges points to ongoing efforts to control the vote through measures like voter ID laws, removal of voters from rolls, and the actions of figures like Steve Bannon, who openly discusses serving a third term despite constitutional limitations.

He acknowledges the Republican strategy of attempting to change election laws “constitutionally” but warns that this could easily escalate into outright refusal to accept unfavorable results. Hedges notes a New York Times op-ed raising the possibility of a rigged election, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.

A Bipartisan Problem: The Long Trajectory of Authoritarianism

Hedges emphasizes that the current slide towards authoritarianism did not begin with Trump. He argues it’s part of a longer, bipartisan trajectory. He criticizes the Democratic Party for its role in creating the conditions that allowed Trump to rise to power, specifically through betraying the working class and prioritizing corporate interests. While acknowledging the Democratic rhetoric warning against authoritarianism, he contends that the only true solution lies in mass mobilization, not simply electing Democrats.

The Role of Media and the Exposure of Elite Corruption

The discussion addresses the complicity of legacy media in the current political climate. Hedges criticizes the media’s failure to critically examine power, citing examples like the appointment of Bari Weiss at CBS and the settling of lawsuits with Trump. He argues that the media is increasingly beholden to corporate interests and is unwilling to challenge the elite. He also points to the rise of alternative media and the censorship faced by independent voices on platforms like YouTube.

The recent revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein are presented as a window into the corrupt and unaccountable nature of the American elite. Hedges describes the Epstein files as exposing a “big club” of powerful individuals engaged in abusive and predatory behavior, crossing party lines. He argues that this elite operates outside the bounds of the law and is largely immune to consequences. He connects this to a broader decline of American democracy, which he describes as “atrophied.”

Foreign Policy and the Dangers of Late Empire

Hedges critiques Trump’s foreign policy, arguing that while it may appear erratic, it reflects a pattern of “micromilitarism” characteristic of declining empires. He cites examples like the attempted kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro, threats against Iran, and the expansion of the Pentagon budget. He warns that a war with Iran would be disastrous and points to the failures of previous military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also criticizes the Trump administration’s “peace plan” for Gaza as a violation of international law and a continuation of the ongoing genocide.

The Need for Mass Mobilization

Hedges concludes by reiterating the need for mass mobilization as the only effective way to resist the rise of authoritarianism. He draws a parallel to Weimar Germany, where the Communist Party served as a counterweight to the fascists. However, he laments the lack of a unified and organized left in the United States, making it difficult to build a national resistance movement. He stresses that localized protests are insufficient and that sustained, disruptive action – including strikes – is necessary to challenge the existing power structure.

Synthesis:

The conversation paints a bleak picture of the state of American democracy, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power, the erosion of the rule of law, and the potential for a compromised election. Hedges argues that these trends are not simply the result of Trump’s actions but are deeply rooted in the historical trajectory of empires and the inherent flaws of the American political system. He emphasizes the urgent need for mass mobilization and sustained resistance to prevent the further consolidation of authoritarian power.