Lars Koch, TUDiSC Spokesperson and Chair of Media Studies and Modern German Literature was interviewed by ntv to give his take on Trump and Musk's so-called chainsaw politics. According to Koch, this approach particularly appeals to those who feel threatened by social change. He argues that these aggressive gestures symbolize a need to simplify complex societal problems through radical action, which is a manifestation of traditional male dominance.

Koch points out that the chainsaw symbol resonates with people who have difficulty grasping modern complexities and promises to clean up through bureaucratic entanglements as well as socio-political challenges. Furthermore, he explains that the intense dissemination of these ideas through the media encourages emotional responses and reduces complex issues into sensational narratives. While Trump and Musk are prominent figures, Koch observes similar patterns in European politics, where actors such as Marine Le Pen utilize fear and a reactionary image. Ultimately, Koch posits that these politics reflect a denial of the complexities of modern life and a nostalgic pursuit of an assertive ideal of masculinity.

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