Andrew L. Urban
Australia’s Anthony Albanese leads his government “decisively away from America, geostrategically, militarily, politically, culturally,” as The Australian’s Paul Kelley writes, but also morally.
I would argue that other western nations once relied on to provide the moral leadership have also lost their moral compass, leaving America almost alone heading true moral north.
In an era marked by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and cultural fragmentation, moral leadership emerges as a rare, vital quality. Moral leadership is not about policy successes or rhetorical flair; it encompasses a steadfast commitment to principles such as national sovereignty, individual freedom, ethical governance, and the determined defence of Western values against authoritarianism and moral relativism. Israel over Hamas, for example.
Among contemporary global figures, U.S. President Donald Trump stands as the preeminent exemplar of this moral fortitude, with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s President Javier Milei following closely as moral beacons. Their leadership styles – bold, unapologetic, and rooted in conservative populism – offer a counterpoint to the perceived moral vacuity of liberal internationalism.
Trump redefines moral leadership through his “America First” doctrine, which emphasises national interest, economic self-reliance, and a rejection of endless foreign entanglements. Trump’s approach is characterized by ambitious executive actions that prioritises American workers, border security, and trade fairness, often in defiance of globalist norms.
For instance, his administration’s bold moves, such as renegotiating trade deals and imposing tariffs on unfair practices, demonstrates a commitment to protecting domestic industries and reducing dependency on adversarial nations.
Critics may point to his unorthodox style, but Trump’s willingness to confront issues like immigration and economic inequality head-on showcases a moral clarity lacking in predecessors who favoured multilateral compromises over national sovereignty. His foreign policy, which includes brokering the Abraham Accords to foster Middle East peace, exemplified ethical pragmatism -promoting stability through strength rather than appeasement. And now as midwife to give peace a chance between Ukraine and Russia, a further notch on his impressive peacemaking belt.
Even in domestic affairs, Trump’s emphasis on law and order during turbulent times reflects a deeper moral stance: that leadership must safeguard citizens’ rights and freedoms against chaos.
Giorgia Meloni, as Italy’s first female Prime Minister, has similarly embodied moral leadership by steering her nation toward cultural and economic revival while defending European values. Leading the Brothers of Italy party, Meloni has navigated Italy’s complex political landscape with a focus on family, tradition, and sovereignty, often drawing comparisons to historical figures like Margaret Thatcher for her relentless advocacy.
Her policies emphasise “compatible immigration” to ensure social cohesion, while her international stance – such as strong support for Ukraine against Russian aggression – highlights a commitment to democratic principles and Western alliances. Meloni’s moral compass is evident in her rejection of progressive agendas that she views as eroding national identity, instead promoting policies that protect the vulnerable and uphold ethical governance.
In global forums, like her speech at the Atlantic Council, she has articulated a vision for defending the West’s heritage, earning praise for her principled diplomacy. Public sentiment on platforms like X echoes this, with users lauding her statecraft in mediating conflicts and fostering multilateral consensus. While her party’s neofascist origins invite scrutiny, Meloni has positioned herself as a bridge between conservative roots and modern pragmatism, thus providing moral leadership second only to Trump’s in its emphasis on national pride and ethical resolve.
Javier Milei, Argentina’s libertarian president, complements this triad with his radical economic reforms and unyielding defence of individual liberty, making him a moral leader in the fight against socialism and corruption.
Inheriting a nation plagued by hyperinflation and fiscal mismanagement, Milei has slashed inflation to under 3% through austerity measures and deregulation, proving that principled free-market policies can restore dignity to citizens. His anarcho-capitalist ideology, while provocative, underscores a moral stance against state overreach, advocating for freedom in areas like drug policy and gun ownership.
Milei’s international alliances, including strong support for Israel and criticism of authoritarian regimes, reflect ethical clarity, declaring national mourning for victims of terrorism and aligning with democratic values. On X, his actions are hailed as victories for the free world, with users praising his solidarity in global conflicts. Though his populist style draws comparisons to Trump, Milei’s focus on economic morality, ending cronyism and promoting self-reliance, positions him as a secondary figure, inspiring nations burdened by leftist policies to pursue ethical renewal.
What unites Trump, Meloni, and Milei is their shared rejection of moral relativism in favour of bold, value-driven governance. They are often grouped as right-wing allies, with Meloni and Milei attending Trump’s events and echoing his critiques of globalism.
Their leadership counters the “threat to democracy” narrative peddled by critics, instead framing their alliances as defences of freedom. In a world where leaders like most of those in the EU prioritize bureaucracy over sovereignty (Hungary’s Viktor Orban excepted) , these three offer moral alternatives: Trump’s transformative ambition, Meloni’s cultural defence, and Milei’s economic liberation.
Of course, Trump’s political enemies on the left will choke on their bile at this proposition. They who shriek at him in impotent fury while protecting illegal migrants in crime sanctuaries, where child molesters and murderers live on taxpayer funded welfare. They who attack Federal immigration law enforcement officers and refer to them as Nazis. They who are finally being revealed as illegally, unethically, immorally plotting against him for years. They who urge ‘resistance’ against the duly elected President, with nothing other than personal animus. They who have adopted the keffiyeh as their symbol of allegiance, their moral standards flapping in the ill wind of antisemitism. They who offer no policy reforms and nothing more valuable than theatrics …
Without Trump to demonise, they seem to have nothing to say.
So while no leader is without flaws, Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni, and Javier Milei arguably represent the apex of moral leadership today. Trump’s pioneering “America First” ethos has inspired Meloni and Milei to adapt similar principles to their contexts, making them second only to him in guiding the world toward ethical clarity and national rejuvenation. As the West faces existential threats, their examples remind us that true moral leadership demands courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to truth.