By Peter Nicholson
George Monbiot, writing in the Guardian, argues for a broader and deeper analysis of the Trump phenomenon, positing that Trump voters possess an “extrinsic” value set, while Biden voters are more likely to express “intrinsic” values.[1] Monbiot is right that Trump represents the epitome of extrinsic values and thus may be powerfully attractive to those of a similar values disposition. But extrinsic values have been dominant in the US for a very long time, as Monbiot admits: “For decades, the dominant cultural themes in the US – and in many other nations – have functioned as an almost perfect incubator of extrinsic values.” Nevertheless, they have not brought forth political leaders with anything close to Trump’s disregard for decency and for the institutional foundations of American democracy. One might still argue that US values on the whole have become progressively more “extrinsic” and have finally reached a tipping point where someone like Trump has become broadly acceptable to half the population.
I think something else is at play. I believe that a great many Americans–including plenty of “intrinsics”—have concluded that “their America” is being taken away from them by an establishment[2] that embraces globalism; welcomes too many immigrants (especially yellow, brown, and black); undermines traditional Christian values; embraces woke political philosophy; and disrespects the salt-of-the-earth people of middle America (those who live in flyover country). Many millions of Americans are enraged by one or several of the foregoing trends which collectively represent a common trajectory of contemporary affluent cultures. This “modernism” has provoked a broadly-based populist backlash, not only in the US but also in the UK, several Western European countries, and even in Canada. The resentment has been especially bitter in the US and Trump has given voice to the anti-establishment rage. This explains why the more he pokes the establishment in the eye, the more his voter base loves him. The irony of course is that Trump is a pure product of the establishment.
At the individual level, there are many Americans that, despite intrinsic personal values, nevertheless vote for Trump; while I know many people with extrinsic values who are prominent supporters of the Democrats–e.g., most of the coastal economic elites, including Wall Street and Silicon Valley. These groups once would have been rock-solid Republicans but are now among the establishment targets of the Trump base. In other words, there has been a profound realignment of American political demographics along “establishment–anti-establishment” lines, one consequence of which has been to fracture the traditional Republican Party while also attracting large numbers of traditionally Democratic voters into Trump’s populist haven. I think this better accounts for Trump’s fervent support than does Monbiot’s “intrinsic-extrinsic” values dichotomy.
[1] Motivations may be characterized as intrinsic (arising from within oneself) or extrinsic (arising in response to external incentives). In a political values context, there is some evidence that people with a strong set of intrinsic values are more inclined toward intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, and interested in universal rights and equality. People at the extrinsic end of the spectrum are more attracted to prestige, status, image, fame, power, and wealth. They are strongly motivated by the prospect of individual reward and praise. They have little interest in cooperation or community.
[2] The “establishment” in this context includes the traditional political actors in Washington DC (the “swamp”); large transnational corporations; the liberal media and entertainment sector; elite universities; and intellectuals generally.
