Source: The post The Decline of Progress in Modern America has been created, based on the article “The end of progress?” published in “Business Standard” on 25th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Context: The article discusses the decline of progress in America, highlighting the erosion of Enlightenment values under Trump’s leadership. It raises concerns about corruption, weakened institutions, inequality, and reduced investments in science, education, and public welfare, impacting global progress.
For detailed information on The Decline of America’s Leadership read this article here
How did Enlightenment values drive progress, and why are they under threat?
- Enlightenment Values and Progress: Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of scientific experimentation and the rule of law to advance society. These values led to transformative technologies and improvements in living standards.
- Threats to Enlightenment Values: Under Trump’s leadership, there is an outright rejection of Enlightenment values like respect for truth and expertise. This shift is evident in policies and rhetoric that undermine scientific research and educational institutions.
- Example of Decline: Trump proposed massive cuts in research funding, threatening the U.S.’s leadership in science and technology, historically driven by Enlightenment principles of rational inquiry and investment in knowledge.
What challenges does America face in maintaining progress, and how has MAGA leadership exacerbated these issues?
- Poverty: 16% of American children live in poverty, highlighting inequality.
- Education: U.S. education is mediocre, with poor international assessment performance.
- Health: Life expectancy in America is the lowest among major advanced economies.
- Corruption: Open campaign contributions, like Tesla’s $465 million loan under Obama, now serve elite interests.
- Institutional Attacks: MAGA undermines knowledge institutions and reduces funding for research and education.
- Budget Cuts: Trump proposed massive cuts to research funding during his first term.
- Global Impact: A weakened U.S. affects global progress, with China advancing through long-term planning and technological investments.
What Are the Possible Futures for America?
- Scenario 1: Reaffirming Enlightenment Values
America could address its deep problems, reject the MAGA movement, and recommit to progress through science, education, and fairness. - Scenario 2: Oligarchic Capitalism
America and China may continue with oligarchic and authoritarian capitalism, leading to reduced shared prosperity. For example, Trump’s cuts to research funding and neglect of public welfare signal this trajectory. - Scenario 3: Europe’s Leadership
While America and China stagnate, Europe could champion progressive capitalism and social democracy. - The second scenario is deemed most likely, with America’s systemic issues worsening global progress.
What Are the Global Implications?
- Impact on Global Economy: The shift towards oligarchic practices in the U.S. might set a precedent for other nations, potentially destabilizing international economic relations.
- Global Leadership Shift: With declining U.S. investments in science, China’s commitment to long-term innovation might shift global leadership in technology toward China.
- Potential for Conflict: The decline in U.S. leadership could lead to more authoritarian forms of governance globally, as seen in the parallel with China’s state capitalism.
- Historical Patterns: Past political shifts, such as the rise of fascism, led to global turmoil. The article suggests that a similar destabilization could recur, affecting international law and security.
Question for practice:
Examine how the erosion of Enlightenment values under MAGA leadership has impacted America’s progress and its global implications.
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