Interview with Geir Sivertsen - the author of "Donald Trump in the Footsteps of Adolf H itler. The Dangerous Parallels Between Trump and Historical Dictators. A European's Perspective.

-What initially drew you to study American politics, especially from a European perspective?

My one year as a Norwegian exchange student and my time as a high school student in the US.

-In your book, you discuss the moment you realized Donald Trump could be a threat to democracy. Can you share more about that turning point?

When he falsely claimed the presidential election 2020 was stolen from him, and initiated the attempt to storm the Capitol on January 6, 2021

-How did your background in business influence your view of Trump's approach to the presidency?

His business background piqued my interest. Maybe a businessman could break through many of the traditional barriers in diplomacy to solve "stale" political matters, like icebreakers toward dictator countries like North Korea. His unconventional approach to Kim Jong Un in North Korea was intriguing. But my initial, positive, curiosity was soon replaced by an acknowledgement that his character and political brutality were not comparable with presidential standards.

-Your book covers several key issues like the economy and immigration. Which is the most pressing for the American voter right now?

Observing the last couple of years of development in US politics, I am in no doubt that the threats to democracy and the increasing power and wealth inequality are the most serious problem America is facing now. But I recognize and understand that other issues are more urgent for parts of the American population, like the economy, the increasing number of illegal immigrants. Both of which Donald Trump masterly exploited.

-What challenges did you face when translating your observations and notes into a book format?

Being a Norwegian, the language represented some challenges, but I felt this barrier diminished as the work proceeded. The other challenge was choosing trustworthy sources, as I had to observe from "the outside."

-How do you think your book will help Americans better understand the impact Donald Trump is having on American politics?

It is often easier to understand situations and conflicts from an outside view, not being directly affected by the events. A "balloon view" presenting facts based on a more realistic view than the parts involved.

-You discuss both sides of the political spectrum in your book. How important is it for voters to understand both viewpoints?

Paramount. When political views are suppressed, or not tolerated, it can, in the worst case, lead to an authoritarian leadership. One important vehicle for this in a solid democracy is an independent press and free speech, based on mutual respect. Donald Trump's dismantling of the respect dimension has made this more difficult, where a hostile attitude toward divergent opinions has become almost a standard.

-What role do you think misinformation has played in recent American political dynamics?

More or less uncontrolled social media has made it extremely easy to spread misinformation at a scale that, without doubt, has had a huge, and negative impact on American political dynamics.

-Can you explain how American politics compares to European politics based on your extensive experience in both regions?

European western countries and the United States have, since WW2, shared roughly the same political values. Based on democratic systems, free elections, free press, and a defined separation of power between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government. However, while most European countries have multi-party systems, the US political system is in fact a two-party system. While judges in European judicial branches are based purely on professional merits, the US appoints their judges primarily based on political views. Considering the latest developments in the US, it looks like the hardened political division and a politically dominated judiciary, are creating real challenges for democracy to withstand.

What do you hope readers take away from your book, especially those who might still support Trump?

Given the book's controversial title and the increasingly polarized political climate in the U.S., I fear that very few hardline Trump supporters will be willing to read it, let alone accept its content, regardless of whether the information is factual or not. As a result, I have little hope that the book will impact Trump's base. However, I do hope that the average American-many of whom are more moderate Trump voters-will recognize the growing threats to democracy that the U.S. faces, especially with the direction that Trump and his Republican Party allies are leading the country after the election.

Connect with Geir on his website at https://gewibooks.com/

Donald Trump in the Footsteps of Adolf H itler is available for purchase on major retailers online and offline.

Book Information:
Donald Trump in the Footsteps of Adolf H itler
By Geir Sivertsen
Published by Asker Publications, Norway
Release Date: July 30, 2024
ISBN: 9788269375114
Genre: Politics, Biography, History

This release was published on openPR.