Linguist Ruth Wodak Warns of “Shameless Normalization” and Rising Global Threats
A leading linguist warns that the rhetoric of former US President Donald Trump represents a dangerous “shameless normalization” of extremist views, while also sounding alarms about escalating geopolitical tensions and the resurgence of antisemitism. These insights come from a recent interview with Professor Ruth Wodak, a renowned expert in political discourse analysis.
During a conversation with the APA, Wodak detailed her analysis of Trump’s communication strategies, noting a surprising level of “explicitness and brutality” during his 2015/16 campaign. “We have to be careful, Trump should be taken seriously!” she cautioned at the time, recognizing his appeal to those who saw him as “one of us,” despite his privileged background. She observed that his infamous claim – that he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and face no consequences – held a disturbing truth in a metaphorical sense, signaling a climate where “anything goes.”
The Erosion of Predictability and the Rise of Fear
Wodak expressed concern over the increasingly unpredictable nature of Trump’s politics. “What surprises me today is his totally bizarre politics, this back and forth,” she stated. “You can no longer predict or see what will happen.” This unpredictability, coupled with observations of potential cognitive decline, contributes to a sense of instability.
However, Wodak emphasized that this erratic behavior is not simply a matter of age or circumstance. She argues that the form of Trump’s discourse – the insults, provocations, and falsehoods – are intentionally deployed as a “catalyst to push through certain policies.” This strategy, she explains, involves identifying “guilty parties and scapegoats” to spread fear and justify actions that often violate legal norms. She pointed to reports of mass layoffs weakening institutional areas, and the deployment of the National Guard and ICE into cities and states despite legal prohibitions. A recent trip to the US at the end of March confirmed these observations, with Wodak noting she “experienced people’s fear” firsthand, a factor contributing to a lack of widespread protests.
A Declaration of War Against Europe?
The current US National Security Strategy has drawn criticism as a potential escalation of tensions with Europe. Wodak, while acknowledging she is not a political scientist, described the strategy as “a declaration of war,” a “clear intervention in EU politics,” and an attempt to impose “traditional, conservative and authoritarian values” – embodied by the MAGA movement – on the continent. She believes the long-standing dynamic of European leaders attempting to appease the US, what she termed the “Big Daddy” attitude, is no longer sustainable.
Addressing the spread of taboo language and ideologies, Wodak stressed the importance of offering a “counter-discourse” – presenting positive alternatives and engaging voters with constructive narratives. She warned against the dangers of “retrotopia,” a revisionist view of the past often coupled with traditional gender roles. “You have to work out an alternative based on facts and with positive metaphors and attractive images in order to uphold what the EU stands for: basic values and human rights,” she asserted.
The rapid development of digitalization and artificial intelligence also presents significant challenges. Wodak cautioned against being swept up by the speed of new media, noting that figures like Elon Musk are actively accelerating the pace, often with the intent of spreading “disinformation.” She called for a “reflected deceleration,” emphasizing the importance of trust, relationships, and empathy – qualities less easily replicated by AI.
The Persistent Threat of Antisemitism
Wodak also addressed the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide, describing it as the “Judeus ex machina phenomenon” – a recurring scapegoating mechanism that surfaces during times of crisis and perceived loss of control. “Anti-Semitism has never gone away,” she explained, “and when there is fear of loss of control, it is easy to fall back on this collective narrative.” She highlighted the toxic combination of antisemitism with prejudice against Roma, Muslims, and criminalized migrants, particularly in contexts like Vienna-Favoriten, a district where she now resides.
Embracing Linguistic Diversity and Challenging Status Quo Bias
Despite these challenges, Wodak expressed optimism about the increasing linguistic diversity she observes in cities like Vienna. She noted the phenomenon of “code switching” – the practice of alternating between languages – as a positive sign of adaptation and integration. However, she also acknowledged the “status quo bias” – the tendency to resist change – that often accompanies such shifts. “You may not like social change and language change, but they are part of our present, the global media society and our immigration society,” she concluded.
Wodak’s analysis serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked rhetoric, escalating geopolitical tensions, and the enduring threat of prejudice, while also offering a call for proactive engagement, critical thinking, and a commitment to inclusive values.
