Michael Sandel Analyzes Donald Trump's Rise and Meritocracy.

12 hours ago7 min read

The ascent of Donald Trump represents not merely a political anomaly but a profound crisis within the American meritocratic ideal, a phenomenon that Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel, the recent and distinguished recipient of the 2025 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture—an honor often likened to a Nobel for philosophy—has meticulously deconstructed. Sandel, whose groundbreaking justice course at Harvard captivated a global audience of tens of millions, posits that Trump’s rise was a direct and potent backlash against a system that, while promising opportunity based on talent and effort, has instead cultivated a corrosive hubris among the credentialed winners and a deep-seated, often justified, resentment among those left behind.This is not simply an American story of economic displacement; it is a political and moral reckoning with the very definition of success, echoing historical patterns where populist fervor erupts when established hierarchies are perceived as illegitimate and rigged. The credentialed class, Sandel argues, having sanctified their own success as entirely self-made, began to view their societal position as a direct reflection of their intrinsic moral worth, a stance that inevitably demeans those without elite diplomas and fuels the politics of dignity and disrespect that Trump so masterfully channeled.This analysis draws a stark parallel to other historical moments where the gap between a society's professed ideals and its lived reality became untenable, forcing a political realignment. The consequences of this crisis are still unfolding, shaping not only the trajectory of American democracy but also offering a cautionary tale for other nations grappling with globalization, technological disruption, and the fraying social contract. The enduring question Sandel forces us to confront is whether a society can forge a new, more humble and inclusive politics of the common good, one that acknowledges the role of luck and community in every individual's story, or if it will continue to be fractured by the divisive logic of a meritocracy that has, for many, failed to deliver on its promise.

#Michael Sandel

#Donald Trump

#meritocracy

#US politics

#2025 Berggruen Prize

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