On May 21, 2025, the Fudan Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) organized the 73rd lecture of the Fudan-LSE Lecture Series. Emeritus Professor Bert Rockman from Purdue University delivered a lecture on the theme of Trump and Trumpism: The Rise of Right-Wing Populism and Its Consequences. The session was chaired by Dean Yijia Jing of IGPP.

Professor Rockman was the University Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Pittsburgh, a Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, and Director of the School of Public Policy and Management at The Ohio State University. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and received the Richard E. Neustadt Award for best book on the U.S. Presidency and the Herbert Simon Award for Scientific Contributions to the Study of Bureaucracy.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Rockman analyzed Donald Trump’s personal traits, examined the structural factors behind his political rise, and explored the potential impacts of “Trumpism” on the U.S. party system, policy trajectory, and global relations. He noted that Trump exhibits a leadership style distinct from that of traditional politicians. This style not only disrupts established political norms but also strongly resonates with certain segments of voters. Professor Rockman further observed that Trump’s support base functions as a “transactional coalition,” composed of elites pursuing economic benefits and ordinary citizens facing uncertainty in their cultural and social identities. The diverse composition of this coalition allows it to maintain stable support within specific social contexts.

In reviewing the U.S. party system, Professor Rockman examined the shifting dynamics of the two major parties across social structure, ideology, and geographic distribution. He noted that since the mid-20th century, the Democratic has increasingly represented urban residents, minority groups, and labor unions, whereas the Republican has come to focus more on socially conservative constituencies. As voter composition and the media environment have evolved, both parties have strengthened their internal cohesion while narrowing the space for cross-party negotiation, thereby creating challenges for policy communication and institutional effectiveness. Within this context, segments of the public have shown a growing preference for direct and distinctive forms of political expression, providing fertile ground for the emergence of nontraditional political styles.

When discussing the impact of Trump-related policies on the U.S. governance system, Professor Rockman devoted particular attention to the “Project 2025,” noting that it presents a series of proposals concerning government functions, the administrative system, and social issues. He argued that these policies could lead to notable adjustments within the existing framework of U.S. governance if broadly implemented. Moreover, he observed that recent shifts in foreign policy have affected U.S.–Europe relations and the broader international order. In concluding his lecture, Professor Rockman briefly examined the global diffusion of “Trumpism,” suggesting that this evolving phenomenon warrants continued scholarly attention.

During the discussion and Q&A session, faculty members and students engaged with Professor Rockman on topics such as voter support bases and policy impacts. Professor Rockman emphasized that rebuilding public trust in political institutions and promoting the healthy functioning of deliberative mechanisms are issues that deserve particular attention.

After the lecture, Professor Jing presented a commemorative gift to Professor Rockman. The event concluded with a group photo of the faculty and students.