Global Right Leaders Envision a Trump-Led New Era at CPAC

Global Right-Wing Resurgence Takes Center Stage at CPAC

This month, remarks from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance regarding Ukraine and Germany have posed significant challenges to the postwar diplomatic order, alarming longstanding American allies in Europe. However, at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, these comments underscored a different narrative: the emergence of a global right-wing resurgence, spurred by Trump’s anticipated re-election, that threatens to reshape international relationships fundamentally.

Liz Truss, the former British Prime Minister, expressed the sentiment of many international attendees when she stated, “We missed the first American Revolution in 1776. We want to be a part of the second American Revolution.” This statement encapsulates the aspirations of numerous political figures from various countries who converged at CPAC, which has evolved from a domestic platform for American conservatives into an international assembly uniting like-minded right-wing movements from the Americas to Europe and Asia.

The CPAC gathering is increasingly viewed as a connector, creating synergies among global conservative parties that see themselves in a shared struggle against the post-World War II geopolitical norms, institutions, and liberal values. This year’s conference showcased how far right-wing solidarity has shifted, as leaders from North Macedonia, Slovakia, Poland, and beyond heralded Trump as a transformative figure in a broader battle against liberalism.

In recent weeks, Trump and his administration openly challenged the established order, more than any prior U.S. administration since the postwar era. For instance, Marco Rubio, Trump’s Secretary of State, engaged in a lengthy discussion with Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at resetting relations and seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, Trump controversially labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator,” further complicating the already strained U.S.-Ukraine relations.

The atmosphere at CPAC reflected this radical shift. Mr. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized the European Union’s regulation of online speech as reminiscent of Soviet censorship, garnered attention, especially after he met leaders of Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany party—historically marginalized due to allegations of neo-Nazi affiliations.

Another highlight of the conference was the shared discomfort among right-wing leaders regarding liberal educational initiatives and social policies. Figures like Balázs Orbán, political director of Hungary’s government, praised Trump’s influence in transforming the international landscape and fostering a sense of empowerment among conservative movements, often casting opposing views as suppressive to traditional values and free market principles.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian politician and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, referred to Brazil as a "laboratory" for testing judicial overreach against conservatives. He claimed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) promotes censorship and political persecution under the guise of democracy preservation, echoing sentiments shared among many CPAC attendees who believe such agencies hinder their political agendas.

The embrace of right-wing grievances against international development funding illustrates the growing interconnection between the global right and American conservatism. Notably, the event also featured Argentine President Javier Milei, who presented Elon Musk with a chainsaw as a symbol of his commitment to cutting public spending, reinforcing the convergence of populist rhetoric across borders.

Historical bipartisan support for initiatives like USAID has become increasingly contentious, as rising right-wing parties often view these efforts as antagonistic to their goals. This sentiment was echoed by Bolsonaro, who condemned USAID for allegedly draining resources toward political judgements against conservative figures.

The culmination of right-wing solidarity was palpable at CPAC—an elaborate manifestation of the vision that figures like Stephen K. Bannon sought to promote during Trump’s first term. However, Bannon’s recent actions have stirred controversy; a gesture perceived by many as a Nazi salute has prompted significant backlash, leading to the cancellation of speeches by key figures such as Jordan Bardella of France’s far-right National Rally.

As right-wing leaders denounced European Union regulations, citing them as examples of bureaucratic overreach against national interests, discussions at CPAC illustrated how these movements now seek common ground through shared priorities: opposition to immigration, increasing the role of Christianity in public life, and skepticism toward the war in Ukraine.

Former Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, articulated the frustrations of right-wing governance within Europe, illustrating the nuanced challenge facing these leaders as they balance national priorities with a broader anti-liberal agenda. As Viktor Orbán indicated, cooperation among conservative factions has become both necessary and increasingly feasible, paving the way for a formidable global right-wing alliance.

In conclusion, this year’s CPAC represented a significant moment in global political history, as it spotlighted a coalition of right-wing leaders from various nations rallying under a unified crusade against liberalism. Through this convergence, they are crafting a new narrative in international relations, one aligned with traditional values and fervent nationalism.