Many people are dismayed at the rise and success of Donald Trump in American Politics. They believed that his rise to power was just an odd and disturbing fluke of political history, and that the traditional mechanisms of political evolution would dispatch his efforts and the MAGA movment he ushered to the fore of American Geopolitics. Well, for them, that has not worked out too well. They failed to fully acknowledge and comprehend the magnitude of the sentiment that constitutes the MAGA/MAHA/MAAA etc movements nationally.

The underlying core ethos of the MAGA movement is Civilizational Populism. Here is a quick Definition: “Civilizational populism is a political phenomenon that emphasizes cultural and civilizational identity. It often frames political discourse around the idea that societies are divided into distinct civilizations, which can lead to a sense of belonging and identity among certain groups.

Key Characteristics

Civilizational populism highlights the importance of cultural heritage and national identity. It often reacts against perceived external influences, advocating for the preservation of traditional values.

This form of populism is utilized by various political parties and leaders worldwide, transcending traditional left-right political boundaries. It is characterized by a narrative that divides people into "the authentic" (those belonging to a specific civilization) and "the others" (those perceived as outsiders or threats).

Civilizational populism has emerged in various regions, including:

Europe: Right-wing parties emphasizing national identity and cultural preservation
Asia: Political movements in India and Turkey emphasizing national and cultural identity
Americas: Nativist movements focusing on cultural preservation

Civilizational populism influences political discourse and policy-making by: Shaping national narratives that prioritize civilizational identity. Affecting social cohesion by fostering divisions based on cultural and religious lines. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend in contemporary politics, where identity and cultural pride play significant roles in mobilizing support and shaping political agendas.

Here are some excellent overviews of Civilizational Populism:
The Surge of Civilizational Populism