On Trump as a “World Historical Individual” with author John B. Judis

In this episode of The New Books Network's American Beyond, host Paul Sterabin interviews author John B. Judis about his provocative thesis that Donald Trump should be understood as a 'world historical individual' in the Hegelian tradition. Drawing on Hegel's philosophy of history—which posits that transformative periods are driven by exceptional figures who crystallize societal upheaval—Judis argues that Trump, like Napoleon or Alexander the Great, is a disruptor who operates beyond conscious control of the larger historical forces he unleashes. While Trump may intend to 'make America first,' Judis contends that his actions—such as threatening to seize Greenland, imposing absurd tariffs, and escalating foreign conflicts—may ironically result in America's decline, echoing Hegel's idea of the 'cunning of reason,' where history's outcomes diverge from individual intentions. The conversation explores Trump's megalomania, his disregard for institutional legitimacy, and the erosion of the post-WWII liberal international order, with Judis expressing deep pessimism about the future, foreseeing a fragmented, anarchic world marked by economic warfare and geopolitical instability. Despite the dark outlook, the episode ends on a note of cautious hope, referencing the baseball season as a symbol of enduring human connection. Key takeaways include: (1) Trump functions as a 'world historical individual' who drives historical change not through conscious design but through the unconscious force of historical momentum; (2) The 'cunning of reason' means that Trump's actions may lead to outcomes opposite to his stated goals, such as weakening rather than strengthening America; (3) The collapse of international institutions like the UN and WTO signals the end of a stable global order; (4) Trump’s second term appears increasingly erratic and self-destructive, with dangerous foreign policy gambles; (5) Historical figures like Napoleon offer parallels—achieving glory but ultimately facing exile and defeat; (6) The current era is one of profound rupture, not just political but civilizational; (7) The future is uncertain, but the old order is exhausted; (8) Even in chaos, small sources of hope—like sports—can persist.