With the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence from British rule approaching next year, a surprising trend is emerging: a growing number of young Americans are questioning the very foundation of their republic and even contemplating a return to monarchy. While older generations largely view the American republic as a hard-won achievement to be preserved, a segment of the youth is re-evaluating the democratic system, sparking a debate over the future of governance. This shift in perspective, though still a minority view, is gaining traction and attracting attention.
تزايد الأصوات المؤيدة للنظام الملكي في أمريكا
The idea of restoring a monarchy in the United States might seem outlandish, but it’s being seriously considered by a rising – albeit small – movement, particularly amongst young people. College student Eric Zourli, a political science major at the University of North Carolina, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. “I’m a staunch Republican because I’m a member of the Republican Party, but I’m not a strong supporter of the republican system because I don’t believe in the republic,” he states. Zourli’s position highlights a disconnect – loyalty to a political party doesn’t necessarily equate to loyalty to the form of government itself. He further adds that, had he lived during the Revolution, he would have been a Loyalist supporting King George III, demonstrating a surprising historical parallel.
Recent studies corroborate this growing interest. While less than 1% of Americans over 65 favor a monarchy over a republic, roughly 27% of young adults aged 18-27 express a preference for a king or queen, according to a YouGov poll. Zourli, who writes under the pseudonym “Clements Mangolia,” believes subsequent generations hold onto republican ideals more firmly, while his generation is increasingly open to exploring the concept of a monarchy. This is happening amidst broader discussions about political systems and their effectiveness.
احتجاجات “لا نريد الملوك” و ردة الفعل المضادة
Interestingly, this burgeoning monarchist sentiment exists alongside strong protests against perceived authoritarian tendencies. Last October, millions of Americans participated in demonstrations under the banner “We Don’t Want Kings,” protesting what they viewed as the undemocratic actions of then-President Donald Trump. These protests spread across approximately 2,000 cities, from San Diego to Boston, with many protesters adopting frog imagery as a symbol of resistance, echoing anti-establishment movements. Signs declaring “Democracy Dies in Silence” and “Dictators Fall When People Rise” were commonplace, signaling deep-seated anxieties about the erosion of democratic norms.
However, unlike these protesters fearing the loss of democracy, American monarchists actively desire a more autocratic leadership. They believe a strong, centralized power is what the nation needs. Though small in number, Zourli emphasizes that their movement is steadily growing, noting that 95% of their members are male – a statistic he attributes to greater male involvement in the political spaces where the group operates. This also raises questions about gender dynamics in these emerging political ideologies.
الأحزاب و المفكرون الداعمون للملكية
The questioning of the democratic system isn’t limited to a single group. Organizations like the “American Monarchist Union” openly advocate for monarchy as a “perfectly legitimate form of government.” Furthermore, figures like Curtis Yarvin, a blogger enjoying support from prominent individuals such as J.D. Vance, Steve Bannon, and Peter Thiel, are fueling this intellectual current.
Yarvin, writing under the moniker “Mencius Moldbug,” has garnered considerable following with his ideas for replacing the presidency with a monarch holding extensive executive power. His theories have resonated with those critical of the current political gridlock and perceived inefficiencies of democracy. The discourse surrounding political philosophy is clearly playing a role in this shift.
ترامب و حلم الملكية: هل يتطابق الواقع مع الخيال؟
Some observers have noted parallels between Yarvin’s ideas and the aesthetics cultivated by Donald Trump, citing his business background and opulent tastes. In fact, Trump’s campaign previously released an AI-generated video depicting him wearing a crown and robe, waving to crowds from the White House balcony. However, Trump himself dismisses the comparison, stating, “I don’t feel like a king, I face a lot of obstacles just getting approval to get things done.”
Despite this denial, the question remains whether Trump inadvertently embodies certain monarchical traits, or whether his appeal simply reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the status quo. Nevertheless, leading theorists within the American monarchist movement don’t see Trump as the ideal monarch. Ian Hoever, a 21-year-old historian and religious studies student at Ohio University (under the pen name “Thomas B. Brightsworth”), asserts, “Most American monarchists don’t want the Trump family.” He emphasizes that they envision a monarch with “real, extensive power,” not simply a ceremonial figurehead.
أبعد من المظهر: رؤية للملكية الحقيقية
Hoever dismisses comparisons between the Trump family and historical royal dynasties like the Tudors or the Medici, arguing that the United States has already witnessed influential political families, such as the Kennedys, Bushes, and Roosevelts. Within monarchist circles, there’s debate surrounding Trump’s lavish renovations to the White House and his plans for a “Trump Arch” in Washington D.C.
Hoever, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit and sporting a brooch depicting the Roman Empire’s two-headed eagle, offers a pointed critique: “He’s overdoing the gold. There’s a difference between genuine beauty and gaudiness.” This comment illustrates a nuanced understanding of monarchy – it’s not simply about display, but about a dignified and effective exercise of power.
In conclusion, while still a minority perspective, the increasing interest in monarchy amongst young Americans represents a fascinating and potentially significant development. Driven by disillusionment with the current political climate and fueled by intellectual currents questioning the efficacy of democracy, this movement challenges conventional assumptions about the ideal form of government. The emergence of these ideas highlights a critical need for ongoing dialogue about the future of American governance and the values that underpin its political system. Further research and engagement with this demographic are essential to understanding the driving forces behind this unexpected shift in perspective and its potential long-term implications.