Former President Donald Trump recently distanced himself from Project 2025, a controversial initiative aimed at reshaping American governance, institutions, and societal norms. This denial comes amid rising comparisons of the United States to countries that have succumbed to autocratic takeovers. As tensions escalate, some suggest that Americans seeking stability might consider Australia as a potential refuge.
The United States, currently embroiled in debates over its democratic integrity, faces scrutiny over its institutional resilience. Analysts warn that before the nation can self-correct, significant damage to its democratic norms may occur. Notably, Timothy Snyder, an esteemed historian, delineated a 20-step journey to autocracy, raising alarms about the parallels between the U.S. and other nations with similar histories.
Australia emerges as an example of a nation that has successfully extricated itself from U.S. influence and prospered independently. With acute skills shortages in sectors like nursing, engineering, and IT, Australia presents opportunities for skilled Americans. Interestingly, some of Trump's closest advisers are Australians who found success in the U.S., highlighting a reciprocal relationship.
The phrase “ask for forgiveness not permission,” popularized by Elon Musk and other tech moguls, encapsulates a disruptive approach that has permeated American corporate and political spheres. Mark Zuckerberg's guiding principle at Facebook, "move fast and break things," echoes this sentiment and parallels Trump's modus operandi. Norman Ornstein, a congressional historian, observed striking similarities between Trump's tactics and those used by Musk to transform Twitter into X.
"ask for forgiveness not permission" – Elon Musk (and the coterie of tech bros)
"We are in the middle of a fast-moving putsch, a right-wing authoritarian coup, a five-alarm fire and our media are treating it like a little backyard bonfire." – Norman Ornstein
Australia's appeal as a haven is underscored by public figures such as Frank Lowy and Yassmin Abdel-Magied, who fled changing norms in their home countries for Australian shores. The U.S.'s own brush with authoritarianism became evident during the armed assault on Congress in 2021, which highlighted the threat posed by armed militias within its borders.
Authors like Masha Gessen and Anne Applebaum have long cautioned about the perils of autocracy during Trump's presidency. They join Snyder in urging vigilance as America's democratic landscape shifts under pressure from internal and external forces. These warnings draw stark comparisons between the U.S. and countries where democratic values have been eroded.
The discourse on America's political future suggests that learning from Australia's journey could be beneficial. By examining how Australia thrived post-independence from U.S. influence, America might glean insights into preserving its democracy amidst internal challenges. The notion of tapping into America's talent pool to address Australia's skills shortages further strengthens bilateral ties.