Trump's Legacy: A Blotch on History, Not a Masterpiece

Reflecting on Historical Patterns

For those of us who lived through the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 was a moment etched in our memories. The ominous watchtowers, the minefields, and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie marked an era now seen as a decisive turning point. Yet, as we approach December 2025, we must ask: did the Cold War truly end?

Vladimir Putin's two-and-a-half decades in power suggest otherwise. Russia has returned to its expansionist tendencies, treating neighboring nations as mere chess pieces in a geopolitical game.

This is not merely a historical anomaly but rather a sobering reminder that dramatic events often result in little more than cyclical repetition. When major geopolitical shifts occur, the reactions tend to be hyperbolic, characterized by words like "historic" and "unprecedented". However, with limited perspectives and historical amnesia, we often misinterpret these occurrences as more significant than they are.

False Dawns in Global Politics

Take, for example, the Arab Spring of 2010-11. Initially heralded as a breath of fresh air for Middle Eastern democracies, this wave of uprisings quickly devolved into chaos and repression, dispelling any illusions of progress.

Similarly, the fallout from 9/11 was portrayed as a turning point that ushered in a new age of global vigilance. Yet, the upshot of these drastic measures is a documented degradation of international law and human rights. Lessons learned from Afghanistan and Iraq illustrate the long-term consequences of these missteps.

In today's climate, a troubling dichotomy prevails: we fixate on sensational upheavals while overlooking those enduring threads of continuity that sustain our world. The chaos surrounding Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the repercussions of Brexit, for instance, serve as reminders that such events are less historical tipping points and more transient spectacles, which history may soon forget.

Trump: A Case Study in Historical Misreading

Donald Trump embodies this phenomenon entirely. He fancies himself as the next Alexander, Charlemagne, or Gandhi—a transcendent leader reshaping history. Yet, upon closer inspection, his tenure is marked by spectacular failure masked by bluster and bravado.

His foreign policy is more anecdote than achievement; his economic initiatives often floundery. Beyond the inflated narratives of grandeur, the core elements defining Trump's legacy appear unsettlingly shallow, dominated as they are by personal ego and vulgarity rather than substantive accomplishments.

In numerous circles, the prevailing wisdom asserts that Trump's presidency marks an indelible shift in American perspective. But history has shown us that such claims are often premature, and the reality on the ground suggests that we may well be witnessing a freakish aberration—a temporary cultural idiosyncrasy.

The Unraveling of MAGA

Despite current perceptions of upheaval fueled by Trump and the MAGA movement, the truth is that these moments tend to be fleeting. As Trump nears the end of his tenure, the cohesive force of his coalition appears frayed. The complexities underpinning this political edifice indicate an inevitable decline.

Fears about the collapse of established orders or the rise of chaos are often overblown. The disruption experienced is indicative less of a watershed moment and more of a historical blip. Many observers may be surprised to learn that the public's appetite for these extreme viewpoints is limited and localized, and history seldom honors populism long-term.

A Surprising Return to Continuity?

As we move into 2026, it's essential to maintain perspective amidst the noise. True turning points in history are remarkably rare. Indeed, continuity persists, and democratic governance remains the preference for countless citizens globally. While extreme right-wing ideologies exist, they remain on the periphery of political power.

Even as authoritarian figures like Putin and Xi Jinping cast long shadows, their successors may opt for reform as new leadership often appreciates the need for stability. Take the post-Stalin and post-Mao eras as templates for what may follow when these leaders inevitably depart.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Perspective

In a world seemingly in flux, I find it necessary to advocate for stability and gradual change over upheaval. Let us hope for a year devoid of monumental geopolitical turns—except, perhaps, for improvements predicated upon the end of authoritarian rule. History will be kinder to us if we can bypass the siren calls for chaos in favor of a continuous pursuit of progress.

Que no haya novedad – let no new thing arise, is the wish I extend as 2026 approaches, underscoring our collective yearning for a world that seeks to better itself, free from the tumult of arriving politicians, divisive dogmas, and renewed conflict.