The World Turns

Not long ago, maybe a few weeks ago, the world seemed to be leaning more and more toward the right, which is already scary, and also toward the far right, which is terrifying. Of course, the movement is directed by the most powerful, trigger-happy, cruel gorilla imaginable, prepared to cross all the red lines of common sense: Donald Trump, obviously, as I’m sure you’ve guessed.

Many have already given up, cursing humanity and its fate. There has even been talk of a definitive final act, a third war or similar thing fixed inside Trump’s head and those of his team. Of course there are also the Russians attempting to destroy brave Ukraine, the harsh sadism of Benjamin Netanyahu, Sudan mercilessly destroying itself, Caracas being bombed and colonized, racism and chauvinism rearing their ugly heads all over the place and increasing inequality in the distribution of wealth (the top 1% of billionaires own roughly the same amount as 4 billion poor people). The planet is extremely sick. In short, this disaster that you see every day on the news could result in unimaginable consequences.

All of this is common knowledge; however, what needs to be highlighted is that according to several very perceptive analysts, there are signs — although they shouldn’t be overstated — of a sort of reversal of the fascist trend and a resurgence of progressivism. This is certainly a new development. For example, the exit of Viktor Orbán, who for decades posed the biggest threat to the European Union’s coherence and effectiveness.

It only took a few days after his fall for an important change to come about: the release of a vital €90 billion loan for Ukraine that the pro-Russian lackey had been systematically blocking. Orbán’s departure significantly boosts Europe’s battered political efficiency, already severely undermined by its estrangement from the United States.

It’s true that in Latin America there have been several lamentable political setbacks, above all in Chile, a country essential to the continent, but there are also two very promising developments in relations with Europe that we should pay attention to: the conclusion of the long-awaited agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, which, as is often said, is the most comprehensive trade agreement in the world.

And, on another level, the gathering of a significant portion of the global progressive movement in Barcelona, led by Pedro Sánchez and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signals a clear commitment to action and the determination to play a decisive role in the critical economic landscape. It marked the beginning of something that could be productive.

And we cannot ignore the combative spirit of Pope Leon XIV in his front-line defense of peace and migrants’ rights, opposing Trump with fierce language rarely seen in papal discourse that will undoubtedly influence millions of Catholics.

The European Union has also faced Trump’s wrath over Europe’s outright refusal to play even a minor role in the war in Iran, openly defying the Republican’s anger and risking a potential rupture of relations. A few months ago, this kind of stance would have been unthinkable.

Another confrontational stance against Trump comes from Iran, which has demonstrated an unexpected military capability, placing the Trump administration in a difficult, precarious military and diplomatic predicament, while also threatening a large proportion of the world with a significant economic crisis due to the blockade of oil shipments.

I would say that this has demonstrated the certainly immense but finite limits of Yankee power. But to close this brief analysis of a possible shift in the global landscape, it is particularly important to note that Trump has not managed to seize power, decked out like his compatriot Superman. Much of the world has lost its fear of him, now considering it possible to stand up to him, and he is increasingly beginning to be viewed as a source of astonishment due to his mental incapacity, even becoming material for jokes, however dark they may be.