Julius Caesar’s murder is often seen as the event that ushered in the age of emperors. Yet – writes Shushma Malik – structural weaknesses had plagued Rome’s republic long before his death
In Rome, Mourning Clothes as Political Resistance jstor.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from jstor.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
On Wednesday 6th January, Trump protestors stormed the Capitol to prevent Congress from confirming Joe Biden’s election victory. They were supported by the President himself, who had told the crowd to “fight like hell” earlier that day, and the result was mob violence in which five people died. The rioters ultimately failed, and once law enforcement removed them, Congress resumed session. Whatever happens now, though, Trump has lost – his political career is over.
While Trump’s presidency has always had far-right connections, it is clear that this more than any other event was a fascist attack on democracy. It may have failed, but the consequences will surely be far-reaching. Politicians have denounced it as an “unprecedented assault” on democracy, but they must do more to prevent America from falling into the clutches of autocracy.