Does America have a Manchurian Candidate Problem? [View all]
By Nick Licata
A Manchurian Candidate, as initially defined in Richard Condons 1959 novel and the 1966 movie, is a nations leader controlled by that countrys enemy. These works of fiction played on the fear of a Communist takeover of America by Russia or China, a conspiracy worthy of being promoted by QAnon.
However, over time, the term has evolved to describe a leader who unwittingly or carelessly serves the interests of a foreign power in ways that harm his countrys interests. Today, critics view President Donald Trumps policies in that light.
In fairness, every past president has made policy choices that, in hindsight, did not benefit America and may have even harmed it. Nevertheless, there is a distinction between making poor judgments and adopting positions that align with a central orientation that undermines our strength.
If a foreign power sought to undermine another countrys ability to counter its global influence, it would aim to reduce that countrys capacity to protect its interests beyond its borders. Recently, Foreign Affairs published two articles examining how President Donald Trumps foreign policies impede our defense by embracing isolationist and anti-globalist beliefs, to the benefit of China and Russias expansionist agendas.
https://www.postalley.org/2025/06/16/does-america-have-a-manchurian-candidate-problem/