Trumpism, Kulturkampf, and the White Working Class

Donald Trump's surprise victory over the Republican and Democratic political establishments in 2016 was the result of several factors, including structural trends in economic dislocations and electoral politics, along with deeply rooted ideological and cultural currents. This presentation will explore the degree to which Trump's electoral and governmental projects are a consolidation of right-wing politics and its appeals to white nationalism, xenophobia, and racial resentment, especially, but not exclusively, among certain sectors of white working class voters.

Francis Shor is a Professor Emeritus of History at Wayne State University. He is the author of three books, the latest being Dying Empire: U.S. Imperialism and Global Resistance (Routledge 2010). Other publications, covering a broad range of topics in 20th century U.S. and global history, have appeared in scholarly journals and popular online journals. In addition to his academic work, he has been a long-time peace and justice activist, serving on the boards of Peace Action and Michigan Coalition for Human Rights.