"What Trump's Revival of "Manifest Destiny" Means for Human Rights Advocates

What Trump's Revival of "Manifest Destiny" Means for Human Rights AdvocatesDonald Trump's presidency has seen a resurgence of territorial expansionist rhetoric, harking back to the 19th-century concept of "Manifest Destiny." This ideology justified the United States' westward expansion across North America, resulting in devastating human rights abuses against Native American populations. In this blog post, we will explore what Trump's revival of Manifest Destiny means for human rights advocates and why it is crucial to challenge outdated notions of imperialism.The Revival of Imperialist ThinkingTrump's second term has witnessed a resurgence of territorial expansion, with the president vowing to acquire Greenland and targeting the Panama Canal. He has also suggested making Canada the United States' 51st state. These statements echo the sentiments of Manifest Destiny, which emphasized the divine right of the United States to expand its territory.The Consequences of ImperialismThe consequences of imperialism are well-documented. The displacement and violence against Native American populations during the 19th-century westward expansion resulted in significant human rights abuses. The forced removal of thousands of Native Americans from their lands, known as the Trail of Tears, is a grim reminder of the devastating impact of imperialist policies.The Importance of Human RightsHuman rights advocates must push back against Trump's revival of Manifest Destiny and outdated notions of imperialism. It is essential to recognize that human rights are universal and inalienable, applying to all individuals regardless of their nationality or geographic location.Encroaching on SovereigntyTrump's territorial expansion plans encroach on the sovereignty of other nations, including Greenland, Canada, and Panama. These countries have already pushed back against his rhetoric, emphasizing their independence and self-determination. Human rights advocates must support these nations in defending their sovereignty and rejecting imperialist overtures.The Way ForwardTo move forward, human rights advocates must:1. Emphasize the importance of sovereignty: Recognize that all nations have the right to self-determination and territorial integrity.2. Challenge outdated notions of imperialism: Push back against Trump's revival of Manifest Destiny and other forms of imperialist thinking.3. Support marginalized communities: Amplify the voices of Native American populations, who continue to face significant human rights abuses today.4. Advocate for international cooperation: Emphasize the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting peaceful resolution.ConclusionDonald Trump's revival of Manifest Destiny is a step backward in human rights progress. It is crucial that human rights advocates push back against imperialist thinking and support marginalized communities. By emphasizing sovereignty, challenging outdated notions of imperialism, supporting marginalized communities, and advocating for international cooperation, we can work towards a more just and equitable world.Keywords: Human Rights, Manifest Destiny, Imperialism, Territorial Expansion, Sovereignty, Native American Populations

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.