John Major Warns of Dangers in US Isolationism and Growing Nationalism

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In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, former UK Prime Minister John Major cautioned that the growing isolationism of the United States under Donald Trump poses a significant threat to global democracy. Major expressed concerns that the U.S. may regret its decision to step back from world leadership, allowing China to potentially take its place.

"This is a form of presidency I haven’t previously seen," Major stated regarding Trump's administration. He highlighted that democracy has been in decline for 18 years and criticized the rise of "ugly nationalism" spurred by the intolerant right. Major also condemned U.S. Vice President JD Vance for what he called a hypocritical stance on free speech while engaging closely with Russia, led by Vladimir Putin.

He warned that a perceived win for Russia following its invasion of Ukraine could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide, stating, “If America is not to stand behind its allies... we are moving into a wholly different, and in my view, rather more dangerous world.” Major urged that if the U.S. turned its back on international responsibilities, it might leave a power vacuum filled by China.

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