Donald Trump recently announced his candidacy for the Republican ticket in the 2024 presidential election, reigniting discussions surrounding his polarizing presence in American politics. His tenure as president-elect marked a significant moment, as it coincided with the delivery of a manuscript to a publisher that examines the dynamics of political resistance. About the author Luke Berryman is the author of the book Resisting Nazism. It makes poignant comparisons between past warriors of resistance and today’s fight against Trump’s administration.
Throughout his presidency, Trump enthralled the Republican base with promises of a past golden age. He sold us on an idealized past which, as most historians will readily tell you, never really existed. This nostalgia has animated a large portion of his support base. Here’s the good news, as many as 77 million Americans voted for him in that election. Attitudes toward this powerful and growing voting bloc differ greatly. Many of those who bemoan the huge popularity of such votes attribute that broad support to ignorance. Some advocacy groups contend that desperation and disenfranchisement are the two main drivers for this overwhelming support.
Even as Trump pivots to a general election campaign, he is still drawing significant ire. In response, critics have blasted his agenda as corrupt and hateful. To answer these outrageous acts, activists, artists, and everyday people have started creating resistance in many forms. This resistance has manifested in numerous ways, from the creation of lawn signs and the infamous “pussy hats” to online trolling aimed at Trump and his supporters. These steps, while still not enough, indicate an increasing frustration on the part of those who disagree with his agenda and his language.
This historical context, as offered by Berryman’s work, is such a crucial lens through which to view today’s front lines and resistance movements. His wellspring of inspiration is clearly the powerful memories of Sebastian Haffner, journalist and German émigré. Haffner wrote eloquently about the rise of totalitarianism and zealously defended the cause of civil liberties as the Nazis came to power. As Haffner’s writings remind us, we must always remain vigilant and actively oppose murderous regimes. These lessons ring true extremely loudly in this current world environment.
Another important figure in Berryman’s story is Emmi Bonhoeffer. She was a Jewish German activist who did essential work in supporting Holocaust survivors. Bonhoeffer’s network helped to ground almost 200 people in their convictions so they could bravely oppose injustice. Her commitment to human rights and advocacy for marginalized communities serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have in fighting against tyranny.
Berryman’s examination of these iconoclastic figures reminds us of the nuances of resistance and why we resist in the first place. In contemporary America, many individuals are compelled to resist what they perceive as threats to democratic values and social justice. For example, many of Trump’s critics have equated him with Adolf Hitler, underscoring their apoplexy. They are right to fear that his dangerous, untethered policies might have catastrophic ramifications. This sentiment drives sustained protest and advocacy against his administration and any return of his poisonous political power.
As Trump launches his 2024 cycle, it’s more important than ever to think deeply about what has worked and what hasn’t in past movements of resistance. Today’s activists look to the example of those who courageously resisted murderous authoritarian governments. We understand that resistance looks different, shaped by the power of courage and the imagination. Berryman’s book is a clarion call to all of us. It calls upon everyone disappointed by the current state of American politics to look back on history and to be a part of history in the making today.