The Return of the Strong Political Leader: reclaiming power from corporate and ideological forces.
Power Struggles Through History: Warriors, Merchants, and the Church
Throughout history, three main groups have competed for power: warriors (political leaders and military forces), merchants (those involved in business and trade), and the church (representing religion and values). Each group has shaped society in unique ways, often in alliance with one another. In medieval Europe, for example, the warrior class, which held the most power, sometimes formed alliances with merchants or the church. Britain saw an alliance between the warrior and merchant classes, while France and Spain saw closer ties between warriors and the church.
This power dynamic has shifted over time, with different groups emerging dominant in various historical eras. The rise of the church in the medieval period, the growing influence of merchants during the Enlightenment, and the continuing struggle for control between these groups reflect a deep-rooted tension that shapes governance, society, and cultural values.
Neoliberal Merchant Power
Today, we live in what many call the neoliberal era, where the merchant class holds the reins of power. Large corporations dominate the economy, and media, under corporate ownership, wields enormous influence over public opinion and cultural norms. With the merchants’ power extending into the media, they effectively control not only the economy but also the narratives that shape society’s values and beliefs.
The ideological “church” of today is different from historical religious institutions. Instead, it is an informal belief system, often aligned with leftist or “woke” ideologies. This modern “church” has emerged from the values popularised by the hippy generation, advocating for cultural narratives that challenge traditional norms, promote inclusivity, and often call for a rethinking of social structures. Together, the merchants and this new ideological “church” set the direction for society, often at odds with more traditional values. Consequently, political leaders—our modern “warriors”—find themselves constrained by the overwhelming influence of business interests and ideological movements, struggling to act independently.
Emergence of the “Warrior Politician”
In recent years, a new type of leader has appeared on the world stage: the “warrior politician.” Donald Trump is a prominent example, representing a return to a style of governance where strong, individual leaders take the helm, often challenging the ideological currents and business interests that dominate society. Trump’s leadership style and values-based rhetoric evoke the image of a traditional warrior, seeking to restore the authority of the state and shift the focus toward family and traditional values.
The appeal of the “warrior politician” lies in their promise to prioritise state authority and cultural tradition over corporate and ideological pressures. Trump’s opposition to Woke Culture is part of this broader vision, aiming to restore values-based governance that resonates with conservative supporters. His approach represents a shift from the dominance of the merchant and ideological “church” to a society guided by strong leadership, rooted in family and tradition.
Rise of Strong Leaders in Europe
The demand for strong political leadership is not confined to the United States. Across Europe, a similar trend has emerged with the rise of right-wing leaders like Giorgia Meloni in Italy, Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, Marine Le Pen in France, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Herbert Kickl in Austria. These leaders have gained popularity by promoting traditional values, national sovereignty, and scepticism towards the ideologies that dominate neoliberal culture. Trump’s influence has also encouraged European leaders to challenge the status quo, paving the way for a new era of politics in the region.
Europe’s strong right-wing leaders are drawing support by advocating for policies that emphasise family values and national identity. Like Trump, they oppose the liberal narratives championed by the ideological “church” and present a vision of society where the individual, rather than society, is seen as the shaper of cultural norms. This resurgence of strong leadership reflects a shift in public sentiment, where many seek a return to a values-based society that prioritises stability, tradition, and community.
Family Values as the Modern “Church”
While the Christian church no longer holds the central authority it once did, its influence can still be seen in the values-based approach of conservative leaders. In today’s context, the emphasis on family values has become the core around which much of this traditionalist movement revolves. Rather than a single religious authority, there is a shared belief in values that emphasise family, personal responsibility, and community cohesion.
Leaders who advocate for these values often promote a vision of society where individual agency shapes the social fabric, contrasting sharply with the neoliberal and culturally progressive view that society influences the individual. This perspective aligns closely with the tenets of Christian democracy, a political ideology that places high importance on family and community, blending traditional values with the structures of modern democratic society.
Weakness in the Current Warrior Class
In contrast to the strong leadership style represented by Trump and other right-wing figures, leaders like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama are often seen as representing a weaker “warrior” class. These leaders operate within the constraints of a political system heavily influenced by corporate interests and cultural ideologies, making it challenging for them to exercise strong, independent authority. This model of leadership aligns with the merchant-ideological alliance that currently dominates Western societies, where political leaders often defer to the prevailing cultural and economic narratives rather than setting their own course.
The weakness of the current warrior class underscores the appeal of strong, decisive leadership among a growing segment of the population. The desire for leaders who prioritise national sovereignty, cultural continuity, and family values suggests a shift towards a more assertive style of governance, where the warrior class seeks to regain its influence and steer society according to enduring values.
Towards a New Balance of Power
The return of the strong political leader points to a potential rebalancing of power among the warrior, merchant, and ideological “church” classes. The appeal of leaders like Trump, Meloni, and Le Pen reveals a desire to re-establish values-based governance, where family, tradition, and national identity hold greater prominence. This shift reflects a broader societal questioning of the neoliberal, progressive ideologies that have dominated Western culture in recent decades.
As this movement gains momentum, it suggests a future where political leaders play a more decisive role, with business and ideology occupying a supporting position. This framework, inspired by David Priestland‘s “Merchant, Soldier, Sage,” offers a lens through which to view the current changes in global politics and the growing desire for strong, values-based leadership.
In essence, the return of the strong political leader signals a recalibration in the balance of power. This shift points towards a society led by leaders who place greater emphasis on values, individual agency, and traditional principles, where business interests and cultural ideologies play a complementary, rather than a dominant, role. For many, this vision represents a hopeful future, guided by strong, decisive leaders who aim to unite society around shared values and a renewed sense of purpose.
