Expert unpacks political shifts and their global impact

By Sabrina Zerf

“Africa hasn’t mattered,” declared Wits academic, Dr Westen Kwatemba Shilaho during a thought-provoking seminar hosted by the Department of Political and International Studies at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网.

The event, titled, Donald Trump, The Teflon President is back: Whither Africa? Held on 21 February 2025, chaired by master’s candidate Gugulethu Maqina, featured Dr Shilaho, a distinguished academic from the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 of Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg.

He is known for his expertise in international criminal justice and the International Criminal Court (ICC), specifically in Africa. His discussion focused on the inauguration of current U.S. President Donald Trump, offering a nuanced perspective on the ideologies of ‘Trumpism’. While he did not entirely dismiss its principles, he critically examined its implications, particularly in the context of governance history and contemporary socio-economic challenges in Africa.

Dr Shilaho also delved into Trump's vision of "The American Dream," analysing its impact on global politics and questioning where Africa fits—or fails to fit—within this framework. His remarks challenged conventional narratives, sparking a compelling discussion on Africa’s position in the shifting geopolitical landscape.

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, remains one of American history's most iconic and polarising figures. His famous quote, "Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error", speaks on personal integrity and the importance of self-reflection.

Dr Shilaho posits that ‘Trumpism’ can be seen as a reinvigorated or contemporary interpretation of ‘Jacksonism’. According to Dr Shilaho, Trumpism, much like Jacksonism, draws on populist sentiments, advocating for a shift in power from the established political elite to the typical American. It is all about “protecting American interests. America first!” states Shilaho. It seeks to resonate with working-class voters and promises to disrupt the status quo, echoing Jackson's own resistance to the political establishment of his time. By emphasising nationalism, immigration restrictions, and economic protectionism, Trumpism aligns with Jacksonism in some ways, yet it also diverges in significant areas, especially in terms of the social and cultural issues that it raises today.

The seminar was further enriched by the participation of the Politics Honours students from Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, whose diverse perspectives and sharp analytical skills added to the vibrancy of the conversation. As the seminar progressed, it quickly became clear that the students were not passive listeners but active contributors, eager to challenge assumptions and ask probing questions. This collective engagement sparked a series of insightful and thought-provoking exchanges, showcasing the students' genuine interest in the subject matter and their desire to broaden their understanding of complex political issues.

During the Q&A session, a student posed a thought-provoking question about the role university institutions can play in addressing Africa’s political challenges, particularly considering the themes expected in Trump’s 2025 inauguration speech. The student inquired about practical solutions that academic institutions could implement to foster political change on the continent, considering the potential shifts in US foreign policy under a renewed Trump administration.

In response, Dr Shilaho emphasised the importance of grassroots-driven change rather than relying solely on external influences. “These values and norms must come from below,” he asserted, highlighting that sustainable political transformation in Africa must be led by its own people, institutions, and intellectual communities.

Gugulethu Maqina played a pivotal role in facilitating the event, expertly crafting an engaging and intellectually stimulating academic environment. Her thoughtful guidance and leadership set the tone for the seminar, encouraging deep reflection and meaningful dialogue. The atmosphere she fostered was curiosity and open-mindedness, where students felt empowered to explore new ideas and critically examine the topics being discussed. Under Maqina's facilitation, the event became an invaluable opportunity for students and the department to reflect on contemporary political debates, pushing the boundaries of traditional academic discourse and encouraging critical thinking that extended far beyond the classroom.