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Erosion of Political Stability in the Modern Era
By Mark Spalla
In a time when the lines between political professionalism and pandemonium seem increasingly blurred, it’s difficult to imagine how today’s leaders would be perceived by the politicians and citizens of the past. Imagine if a political figure like Donald Trump—who rose to prominence with a volatile mixture of controversy, populism, and a penchant for shocking rhetoric—were placed in front of an audience from the mid-20th century. The reaction would likely be one of disbelief, disappointment, and perhaps even fear. The norms of traditional politics seem to have evolved into something unrecognizable, leaving many to wonder: Are our leaders now too extreme? Would the political system of today be considered a failure by those who once governed with a sense of civility and respect?
The Political Norms of the Past
In the mid-20th century, American politics was largely shaped by the norms of diplomatic discourse, measured decisions, and a degree of professionalism that encouraged respect for the office of president and other key leaders. Figures like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and even Richard Nixon, despite their flaws and controversies, maintained a sense of formality and decorum. While political divisions were certainly present, there was a fundamental expectation that leaders would act as stewards of the people, working toward a common good, and striving to represent the American public with dignity.
Back then, the political process was often a more sober affair. People expected their politicians to be a reflection of the nation’s values—honesty, respect, and the belief in the power of institutions. The idea of a politician routinely engaging in divisive language, falsehoods, or creating chaos on a whim would have seemed outrageous, even unthinkable.
Donald Trump and the Shocking Shift in Political Leadership
Fast forward to today, and the political environment has drastically changed. Donald Trump, perhaps the most glaring example of this shift, exemplified a break from the traditional political mold. Trump's rise to power and his time in office were marked by a constant barrage of inflammatory rhetoric, egocentric behavior, and a disregard for political norms that had been established by previous leaders.
One of the most jarring moments of his presidency—and indeed, one of the most surreal moments in modern American politics—came on January 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol following a rally where Trump repeated false claims about a "stolen" election. To many, this attack was not just an unprecedented event in American history; it was a deep betrayal of the democratic process. The very notion that a sitting president could incite such violence would have been unfathomable to politicians of the past. Leaders like Dwight D. Eisenhower or George H. W. Bush, whose administrations were characterized by a sense of stability and respect for institutions, would have likely seen this event as a breakdown of everything they had worked to preserve.
In fact, for past generations of Americans, Trump’s approach to leadership—his populist style, his insults towards the media, his consistent undermining of democratic norms—would have seemed more like the behavior of an outsider, an entertainer playing politics, than the leader of the free world.
The Erosion of Political Decorum
The erosion of political decorum has not been limited to Trump alone. Over the past several years, a significant number of modern politicians, including members of Congress and state officials, have adopted similar tactics: resorting to extremist rhetoric, capitalizing on conspiracy theories, and leveraging divisiveness for political gain. Rhetoric that once would have been considered unacceptable for a public servant has become part of the political lexicon, all in the name of securing votes or rallying support.
Take, for instance, the rise of conspiracy theories like QAnon and the embrace of "alternative facts" by certain political figures. These ideas, which have become prevalent in some political circles, would have been treated with scorn by politicians of past generations, who valued credibility and intellectual integrity. The idea that a significant portion of the American electorate could be swayed by easily debunked claims would have been considered absurd in an era when leaders were expected to be credible, factual, and trustworthy.
Would People from the Past Be Disappointed?
The question arises: How would citizens from past decades—those who lived through the post-WWII era, the civil rights movement, or the early days of the Cold War—view the state of modern American politics? The answer is likely one of deep disappointment and shock. What happened to the America that once prided itself on its democratic values, its political civility, and its sense of stability?
For people of earlier generations, figures like Donald Trump, whose political career was defined by contradiction and scandal, would have been seen not as politicians, but as celebrities playing a dangerous game. His disregard for traditional political processes, as seen in the aftermath of the 2020 election, would have likely been viewed as the ultimate betrayal of the public trust. The idea that a president could so blatantly encourage insurrection and chaos would have been considered a grave failure of leadership.
In the eyes of many from earlier eras, today’s political climate might seem like the result of a complete breakdown of the norms that once held American politics together. The standards of professionalism, civility, and rational discourse that were once expected of public figures seem increasingly absent in the age of social media.
The Normalization of Extremism in Politics
Perhaps most troubling of all is the normalization of extremism in American politics. The events of January 6, the proliferation of fake news, the rise of far-right extremism, and the embrace of divisive rhetoric have all contributed to a political environment where sensationalism and chaos are no longer outliers, but rather, mainstream elements of the political landscape.
What was once considered unacceptable behavior—such as questioning the legitimacy of an election or inciting violence—has been subtly normalized over the past few years. For many, what once seemed outrageous and extreme has now become part of the political fabric. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we becoming so desensitized to this behavior that it’s no longer shocking? Have we reached a point where the extraordinary is now the new normal?
A Step Back in Reform?
As America stands at a crossroads in its political journey, the question remains: Can we return to a time when leaders were viewed as respectable figures who served with dignity and integrity? Or have we entered an era in which the spectacle of politics takes precedence over its substance?
Perhaps history will judge whether today’s politicians, with their controversial behavior and outlandish rhetoric, were truly revolutionary figures who changed the game—or whether they were symbols of a political collapse that left behind the ideals of a stable, functioning democracy. What is clear, however, is that the world of politics we know today would likely seem completely alien to the citizens and leaders of previous generations—those who believed that civility, trust, and rationality should define political life. As described and intended by our nation’s founding fathers, “Let us fund our brothers in blue, yet we shall also violently assault them” (Gen. George Washington).