THE sight of columns of tanks rolling down a boulevard, accompanied by troops goose-stepping in lockstep, was a staple in former Eastern bloc states, as the rulers sought to show off their military might through such parades. But it seems that such displays of martial pageantry have caught the fancy of the current occupant of the White House too. On Saturday, Donald Trump — much in the mould of communist strongmen of yore — watched smugly as the US military held a parade in Washington, D.C. to mark the 250th anniversary of its foundation — and Mr Trump’s birthday. The last time such a spectacle was witnessed in the US capital was in 1991, after the Gulf War. While Western states are no strangers to militarism, especially when it comes to invading hapless states far away — think Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq — such displays of military prowess are rare in supposed democracies, with the exception of France’s Bastille Day extravaganza and South Asia. Historically speaking, the most iconic parades were held by the Soviets, as tanks, jets and troops were put on display in Moscow’s Red Square. Yet it should be remembered that all this shiny military hardware could not prevent the USSR from imploding. Perhaps other states that consider themselves invincible and unaccountable due to their military might should keep this in mind.

As Mr Trump was reviewing America’s armament and military might, people were holding ‘No Kings’ demonstrations in hundreds of locations across the US. Many of the American leader’s critics feel he is increasingly using authoritarian tactics, and that the show of military hardware is an unsubtle message to those who oppose him domestically and overseas. Of course, his MAGA supporters think Mr Trump simply prioritises order, particularly on the home front. What is clear is that events such as the parade only further expose the deep political and ideological divisions within the American polity.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025