How Trump Lost Asia (With Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull) | The David Frum Show

The erosion of Western democratic alliances stems from a shift toward transactional, inward-looking U.S. foreign policy that undermines global stability. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull highlights how populist movements—driven by economic anxiety and algorithmic media—are infecting the center-right globally, replacing rational economic management with divisive culture wars. As the United States becomes a less reliable partner, middle powers must prioritize strategic autonomy and self-reliance rather than maintaining sycophantic dependence. The rule of law remains the essential bulwark against authoritarianism, yet it faces severe threats from political polarization and the weaponization of bureaucratic systems. Ultimately, the future of democracy depends on nations charting independent paths while upholding shared values, as the U.S. increasingly prioritizes narrow self-interest over its traditional role as a leader of the free world.