The article presents the foreword to the German edition of “Where is America Going? Fascism or Socialism,” edited by David North and published by Mehring Verlag. It outlines the alarming trajectory of the United States, highlighting the rise of Donald Trump as a product of a deteriorating capitalist system and a sign of increasing authoritarianism.
Recent events, such as the militarization seen in cities like Minneapolis, signal a movement towards a military and police state, emphasizing the necessity of understanding Trump not as an anomaly but as a reflection of deeper societal issues.
The book comprises analyses from 2015 to 2026, capturing Trump’s political rise, his administration’s fascist character, and the consequences of the January 6, 2021 coup attempt. Central themes include the challenges posed by social inequality, militarism, and the implications for global capitalism.
It argues that fighting against fascism and war requires an international working-class mobilization rooted in socialist principles, rather than support for the existing Democratic Party or its allies. The foreword emphasizes the urgency of the question—whether America moves toward fascism or socialism—and calls for a revolutionary response from the working class to shape a progressive future.
