Article Summary –
The article discusses the history of right-wing affinity for foreign authoritarians in American politics and its manifestation in the modern Republican party. It traces the origins of this trend back to World War I, with figures like journalist H.L. Mencken and publicist George Sylvester Viereck, who championed illiberal imperial Germany and criticized democratic Great Britain. The article also highlights more recent examples, such as Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin and former president Donald Trump’s alleged silence on the murder of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as well as Republicans’ historical support for dictators like Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, Francisco Franco, and Augusto Pinochet.
Republican Foreign Policy Hawks Criticize Putin Sympathizers
Republican foreign policy hawks criticize Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger has labeled him a “traitor,” while former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley expressed concern over Donald Trump’s silence on the murder of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Right-Wing Attraction to Authoritarian Leaders Not New
The affinity some conservatives have for foreign dictators isn’t new, dating back over a century. Right-wing figures have often shown admiration for tyrants such as Mussolini, Hitler, Franco, and Pinochet, seeing them as potential models for reshaping American society.
Advocacy for Illiberal Powers Traces Back to World War I
Historically, notable right-wing figures like journalist H.L. Mencken and publicist George Sylvester Viereck championed the cause of illiberal imperial Germany and opposed American participation in World War I. They viewed liberal democracy as mob rule and pushed against the perceived deep state agenda of President Woodrow Wilson.
Post-World War I Right-Wing Revisionism
Following World War I, right-wing revisionists like Albert Jay Nock published works blaming America for the conflict. This set the stage for the America First movement in 1940 and its 800,000 members, which included sympathizers of Nazi Germany such as Charles Lindbergh.
Nazi Government Influence in US Politics
The Nazi government used American agents like George Sylvester Viereck to influence U.S. Congress. At the same time, figures like Elizabeth Dilling and Father Coughlin promoted Nazi and fascist ideologies, garnering significant public attention.
Conservative Fascination with Dictators Continued After WWII
Post-World War II, right-wing fascination with dictators persisted. Conservative figures like William F. Buckley Jr. and Patrick J. Buchanan publicly praised oppressive foreign regimes. Buchanan also became a notable promoter of Putin’s Russia, endorsing its perceived Christian values and anti-gay rights stance.
Putin Praise Now Common Within GOP
Many Republican legislators have praised Tucker Carlson’s flattering interview with Putin. Trump chose to remain silent on the murder of Alexei Navalny, while House speaker Mike Johnson has blocked financial and military aid to Ukraine. This aligns with the America First movement’s position in the 1940s that any aid to Great Britain was a waste of American resources.
Putin Supporters Unfazed by Russian Interference
The recent revelation of Russian intelligence agents involvement in the Hunter Biden case recalls German spying efforts before World War II. Yet, the Putin wing of the GOP, led by figures like Rep. Matt Gaetz, remains unbothered. They view their control as a necessary generational shift in the Republican party. The enduring GOP affinity for authoritarian leaders like Viktor Orban or Putin is not surprising; it’s the amount of time it took to materialize that may be.
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