Summary: Noah Smith discusses how the rise of Donald Trump marks the end of the Long Twentieth Century, which was defined by anti-fascism and liberalism. He argues that while some believe Trump’s movement will restore strong community and moral values, it has not built anything substantial yet. Smith expresses concern that the forces tearing apart society today are the same ones promising a new era of unity and rootedness.
The UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were not motivated by fear of Hitler’s return, but by a desire to expand the boundaries of human freedom and dignity beyond anything seen in the prewar period. (View Highlight)