Online Lecture: Backlash Presidents: Trump in the Context of U.S. History

In her new book, Backlash Presidents: From Transformative to Reactionary Leaders in American History, political scientist Dr. Julia Azari analyzes how administrations that challenge the racial status quo in U.S. history are followed by presidents who explicitly engage in racially charged politics and lawlessness. From Andrew Johnson to Richard Nixon and now Donald Trump, these backlash presidents show significant similarities when it comes to their rhetoric, their attitude regarding executive power and their relationship with Congress. In our afternoon lecture, Dr. Azari will discuss her book and critically assess the role that norms play in American democracy. 

This event is part of our series 250 Jahre USA | 250 Years USA. 

is Professor in the Department of Political Science at Marquette University. She holds Ph.D., M.A. and M.Phil. degrees in political science from Yale University, and a B.A. in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research and teaching interests include the American presidency, American political parties, political communication and American political development. Her research has been supported by the Marquette University Regular Research Grant, the Harry Middleton Fellowship in Presidential Studies, the Gerald Ford Presidential Library Foundation Travel Grant, the Harry Truman Library Institute Scholars Award, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Library of Congress. [Text: Marquette University]

Her new book, Backlash Presidents, has been published in 2025 by Princeton University Press.