How Do Chinese Analysts View MAGA and U.S. Politics under Trump?

May 14, 2026: How Do Chinese Analysts View MAGA and U.S. Politics under Trump? Professor Hao Wang from Fudan University’s Center for American Studies examined how Chinese analysts interpret Donald Trump, the Make America Great Again movement and recent shifts in American politics. He contrasted competing explanations of U.S. political change: one that views the movement as driven by cyclical policy dynamics, and another that views it as part of an identity-based conflict. Wang also explored two interpretations of polarization: one emphasizing deepening partisan hostility, the other viewing polarization as a byproduct of economic convergence and identity mobilization. He concluded by assessing Chinese analysts’ differing expectations about MAGA’s future, highlighting widespread uncertainty about whether the movement can sustain political and economic outcomes. This public lecture series is organized by the 21st Century China Center at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS). For more information on China activities, please visit china.ucsd.edu.