The world watched with a mixed feeling- awe and exhilaration- how the symbol and pride of America’s democracy, The Capitol Hill, was desecrated by mobs and other groups of white supremacists and extremists loyal to ex-President Donald Trump. The “Police of the World” and, leader of the Free world and advocate of democracy had been engulfed in series of political turmoil since Trump lost the last November elections, and refused to concede and accept defeat, rather, he continued to claim without evidence of widespread voter fraud and irregularities.
These clearly are alien to the US and could only be found in repressive and authoritarian governments, in Africa and other developing economies.The scenario was, ridiculous, and worrisome.
Ridiculously, it proved that “Democracy” atleast, the American Brand, which had existed for about 250years is still fallible, and, has lots of flaws, and the democratic experience is still evolving, therefore the US cannot preach democracy to the world.
On the flipside, it is worrisome because, sit-tight African leaders with authoritarian tendencies would be emboldened by the action, making reference a point on how a sitting US President questioned the credibility of their elections, and would likely harp on the infallibility of the concept of democracy. The implication is, the US risked losing the position of the exporter, or, advocate of democracy to the world.
The precedence set by Pres. Trump was a culmination of a long political battle between the rightist and, the leftist liberals. The political battles, mostly, predates the 2020 elections.The ideological differences iginted the centuries old malaise in the American demographies, especially minorities which suffered or faced growing disparities in virtually all spheres — socially and economically. The populist stand like America first, and MAGA rhetoric of Trump amplified and further polarised the inherent political divide, while emboldening groups like Qanon, a right wing conspiracy theory advocacy group, others like, the Proud Boys and like-minded extremist mobs took it upon themselves to challenge America’s democracy, obviously at the behest of Trump who vehemently refused to concede, alleging, without evidence of widespread voter fraud.
The siege or mob attack at the US Capitol which had recorded some casualties, sent mixed signals across the world — the heart of America’s democracy has been desecrated and, no amount of alternative facts can erase the ugly incidence which has long left its footprint in the minds of millions.
The action earned Trump his second impeachment. He was the third US President to be impeached, and the first to be impeached, twice, what a bleak record!The worrisome aspect of Trump’s action of undermining America’s democracy is its reflect on repressive and undemocratic elements in Africa and elsewhere. America has always been the model, or reference point on democracy and strong democratic institutions across the world. Most governments, after coming to power would seek, subtly, America’s consent and court Washington for legitimacy. There is an unwritten law, any new governments formed, would never be comfortable, until Washington congratulates her. That clearly is America’s exceptionalism.
Regardless, America’s intrusions and unofficial role as Police of the world, to some extent, has both its upside and downside, one of which is: it has helped to keep in check, despotic, repressive and authoritarian governments garbed in theoretical democracy.
For instance, prior to the last guber election in Edo state, APC and PDP were locked in a fierce battle for the soul of the state. Typical of the Nigerian politicians, they had investments and other asset scattered in the US and other Western capitals. Therefore, as a predule to the peaceful poll, the US issued a press release reiterating the need for a peaceful conduct of the election else, those involved in any form of pre or post election violence would risk being banned or denied entry to to the US.Interestingly, the Edo election was peaceful, to some, it was the fear of the American ban that ensured the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.
All over Africa, from Tanzania to Sudan, Gambia to Central Africa Republic, the fear of US sanction on uncooperative and dictatorial government remained pervasive and widespread which sometimes wade off, or, reduced minimally the danger of violence.
The downside of Trump’s action on African democracy is — it provides a missing link in entrenching and deepening democracy and good governance, which most African leaders lack. The thinking in this part of the world is — the American model of democracy has been questioned.No one would have imagined, the leader of the Free world would stoop so low and condone violent affront on democracy, others pointed out how undemocratic American has become.
For instance, in the recently concluded elections in Uganda, all sorts of voter intimidation occurred, from internet shutdown, to outright violence and attacks on opposition figures. Museveni supportes and his party, the National Resistance Movement, as well as security opertives were complict in voter suppression and intimidation. Any statement by the US authorities condemning their action would be counterproductive. Election observers from some select US institutions were asked to back off and steer clear of Uganda affairs. This wouldn’t have occurred, had Trump’s America hadn’t acted the way it did.
Many scholars and policy experts across Africa and the world began to question the US democratic experience. Had the US democracy reached its threshold, or, the point of elasticity or, a new concept of democracy is about to evolve? This brings to mind, a finite, or grand rule-nothing stays, or last forever. However long a phenomenal lasts, no matter the time an empire reigns, there are bound to be the point of diminishing. Has the US clearly lost its superior position as a global hegemon?In International relations, the Hegemonic Stability Theory, stipulates the likelihood of achieving global stability in the event of a single nation dominating others as a hegemon, through coercion, diplomacy and persuasion. These are attributed to the US. But, the emergence of other centers of power, like China, Russia, and to some extent, Iran, that hegemonic status the US enjoyed for decades is set to be challenged.
In 2016, for instance, Russia was alleged to have disrupted and influenced the outcome of US election, therefore, undermining its democracy by aiding the victory of Donald Trump at the polls. China is locked in a fierce trade war with the US, and obviously China is winning. Iran has defied the US sanction, and continues to assert its influence in the Middle East, and lately, issued an arrest warrant on a sitting US president.
On all fronts, especially on diplomacy and international interactions with allies, Trump had embarrased and ridiculed the US a number of times, never seen, at least, in recent history. Thankfully, the US strong institutions mitigated the trend. The judiciary, and other government agencies stood firm with the US Constitution, ignoring intense pressure and barrage of attacks from Trump, his supporters and some GOP members.
The smooth transition of power has been a hallmark of US democratic culture, Trump frustrated that aspect and vowed not to attend President Biden’s inauguration. What a way to sign out of a hate-filled agonizing four years of his Presidency!
To many, Trump is an American hero, who sought to echo the superiority of the white race, and the entire Aryan race through provocative remarks against Africans, and African Americans, Latinos and other ethnic minorities.To others, he is simply another rich, spoilt white mannerless racist who explored the uneducated white evangelicals, and rode to the position he never deserved.
As President Biden takes over a divided country, many would wish for a quick fix of the crack on the formidable edifice, which symbolises UNITY!
Abdullahi D Mohammed writes from Ahmadu Bello University-Zaria.