Hamid Mir Says Trump’s Arrogance and Concentration of Power Contributed to Political Decline
ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and political analyst Hamid Mir has said that when the intoxication of power and authoritarianism take control of a ruler, they eventually lead to political decline, describing the US political situation as a recent example.
Commenting on the US midterm elections, Hamid Mir said the issue was not limited to any individual or Donald Trump. He argued that when a person in any country or region acquires excessive power and authority, they may begin to believe that no one is wiser or more capable than themselves.
He described this psychological condition as a “delusion of grandeur”, in which an individual believes that only they are right while the rest of the world is mistaken.
According to Hamid Mir, US President Donald Trump had also developed this sense of superiority, believing that his second election as president made him the most capable and intelligent person in the world.
He said arrogance and self-importance pushed Trump towards decisions that contributed to his political decline. Mir also pointed to what he described as political and diplomatic pressure, and alleged blackmail, from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he said had significantly influenced Trump’s decisions.
Highlighting the importance of democratic institutions, Hamid Mir said democracy becomes stronger when the judiciary is independent and the media can deliver the truth to the public without pressure.
He said the results of the recent US midterm elections had demonstrated that people who enjoy genuine voting rights can use the power of their ballots to challenge rulers with authoritarian tendencies.
The analyst further said the election results showed that when people become frustrated with injustice and arrogance, they express their decisions through the ballot box.
He added that public reaction against Trump’s approach and alliance policies had sent a clear message that the people’s voices could not be suppressed indefinitely through the use of power.
According to Hamid Mir, the election results serve as a reminder that political power is temporary, while ultimate authority rests with the people.
