The year 2017 is similar to the one that produced the Russian revolution. Here’s why.

100 years ago this year, the Bolshevik order in Russia fell, paving the way for the rise of Soviet Union.

Writing for The Economist, Adrian Wooldridge argues that the conditions which allowed the revolution to occur are being replicated today.

He argues that the collapse of the liberal elite - evidenced by the failure of the Democrats to secure a presidential win in the form of Hillary Clinton - is part of a much broader development: The empowerment of the right.

What led up to the Russian revolution?

The social causes for the collapse of the Tsars lay with oppression of the lower classes, as well as Tsar Nicholas II's failure in equipping and preparing Russian soldiers in the First World War, which led to severe defeats.

The differences between the two are clear: The Russian revolution gave way to communism while US President Donald Trump, and his personal wealth and success, are clearly a product of capitalism.

Despite these differences, Trump's rhetoric does follow similar lines.

During a campaign speech in November, Donald Trump promised to end the “corrupt political establishment”:

Our movement is about replacing a failed and corrupt political establishment with a new government controlled by you the American people.

The Washington establishment and the financial and media corporations that fund it exist only for one reason: to protect and enrich itself.

Our campaign represents a true existential threat.

This is a crossroads in the history of our civilisation that will determine whether or not we the people reclaim control over our government. 

It isn't just Donald Trump's attitude - the systematic attack against liberalism appears to be global - anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe and the rise of the ‘alt-right’ create a ripe environment for change.

According to Wooldridge, the 40 years before the Russian revolution “were the years of liberal triumphalism… Free trade (led by the British) brought the world together”.

However, high unemployment and growing anger at the rich shifted the balance and permitted the growth of strongmen such as Putin and now, Trump.

HT The Economist