White nationalist ideas, once marginal, are increasingly influencing mainstream political debates and legislation in the U.S., rooted in a blend of Christian nationalism. Sanford F. Schram from Stony Brook University highlights that the first election of a nonwhite president, Barack Obama, catalyzed a backlash, though these ideologies had been emerging earlier, notably during the Reagan era with figures like Pat Buchanan. The Tea Party’s rise and Trump’s presidency exemplify this growing trend of white resentment, particularly concerning immigration.
Christian nationalism plays a crucial role in this shift, with proponents seeking a government founded on Christian principles rather than merely religious freedom. Heath Druzin notes that social media has accelerated the spread of extremist views, creating echo chambers that foster radical ideas without the risk of face-to-face backlash.
Historically, a majority of Americans identified as Christian, but recent data shows a decline in church membership, fueling a sense of minority among Christian nationalists. Dr. Matthew D. Taylor observes that movements like MAGA exemplify a fusion of white and Christian majorities resisting cultural changes.
Extremist ideas have permeated local politics, as evidenced by state legislators who engaged with far-right groups, enabling a pipeline for fringe beliefs to influence public policy. Devin Burghart of IREHR indicates that such connections have propelled conspiracy theories into legislative actions, including strange laws against geoengineering in multiple states.
Overall, the rise of jingoism, dominionism, Religious nationalism, and Theocratic nationalism within the far-right represents a broader global trend undermining democracy, paralleling movements in countries like India and Turkey. Advocates for democracy and equality must unite against these ideologies to protect democratic principles and civil rights.
