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Fukuyama: Trump's Leadership Signals Democratic Recession and Hope

12/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Francis Fukuyama criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership as surprising and disappointing.
He cited Trump's authoritarian tendencies and controversial dealings with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Fukuyama highlighted a "democratic recession" over the past 15 to 20 years, attributing it to public frustration with democracy.
However, he remains cautiously optimistic that democracy can self-correct, noting recent Democratic electoral gains and a decline in Trump's popularity.

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Story summary

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Francis Fukuyama criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership as surprising and disappointing.
He cited Trump's authoritarian tendencies and controversial dealings with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Fukuyama highlighted a "democratic recession" over the past 15 to 20 years, attributing it to public frustration with democracy.
However, he remains cautiously optimistic that democracy can self-correct, noting recent Democratic electoral gains and a decline in Trump's popularity.