ideological

JAKARTA – While the United States Presidential Election remains four years away in 2028, Indonesia is strongly advised to maintain a close watch on the unfolding political dynamics within the world’s most influential democracy. The impending contest is shaping up to be more than a clash of personalities; it represents a profound ideological struggle for the future direction of the Democratic Party, a development with significant implications for global affairs, including Indonesia’s strategic interests.

According to Ahmad Khoirul Umam, an international relations observer and Director of the Paramadina Graduate School of Diplomacy (PGSD) at Paramadina University, recent polling data indicates a significant internal realignment within the Democratic Party. Umam highlights findings from the Granite State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, which suggests that the race for the 2028 Democratic nomination is not merely a competition among potential candidates but a battle for the very soul of the party.

The Shifting Democratic Landscape: A Three-Way Ideological Contest

Umam’s analysis underscores a notable shift in the early dynamics, particularly the burgeoning influence of the progressive wing. He points to the significant rise in support for Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), whose backing increased from 14% to 22%. This surge, Umam argues, signals a strengthening of the progressive bloc within the party. Concurrently, Pete Buttigieg, the current U.S. Secretary of Transportation, has maintained a stable support base, hovering between 19% and 21%, which reflects the enduring strength of the party’s moderate wing. Conversely, the declining support for figures traditionally considered part of the party’s establishment, such as Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, suggests a potential erosion of their political dominance.

This evolving landscape, Umam posits, has crystallized into three distinct power centers vying for control over the Democratic Party’s future trajectory. These are:

1. Progressive Democrats: Led by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, this faction champions a platform of expansive social programs, aggressive climate action, and significant economic reforms aimed at addressing income inequality.
2. Moderate Democrats: Represented by individuals such as Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, this group typically advocates for pragmatic policy solutions, bipartisan cooperation, and a more centrist approach to economic and social issues.
3. Establishment Democrats: Historically dominant, this faction includes figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Gavin Newsom, often seen as upholding traditional party structures, corporate ties, and incremental policy changes.

"This struggle will determine the face of American policy after 2028," Umam stated in his remarks on Saturday, July 25, 2026, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of this internal party contest.

Historical Precedents and the Evolution of Democratic Factions

The current ideological struggle within the Democratic Party is not unprecedented. The party has a long history of internal debates and factionalism, dating back to its origins. From the New Deal coalition’s internal tensions between urban liberals and Southern conservatives in the mid-20th century, to the "New Democrats" movement in the 1990s that sought to move the party towards the center under Bill Clinton, and more recently, the vigorous challenge mounted by Bernie Sanders’ progressive movement against Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, the Democratic Party has always been a diverse coalition.

The rise of the progressive wing, particularly since the 2016 election, can be attributed to several factors. A growing dissatisfaction with economic inequality, climate change inaction, and the perceived influence of corporate money in politics has energized a younger, more ideologically driven segment of the electorate. Figures like Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as "the Squad," have successfully leveraged social media and grassroots organizing to build a formidable political force, pushing the party platform further to the left on issues ranging from healthcare (Medicare for All) to environmental policy (Green New Deal) and criminal justice reform.

Concurrently, the moderate wing, while perhaps less vocal, represents a crucial segment of the party’s electoral base, particularly in swing states and suburban areas. Their emphasis on electability, fiscal responsibility, and incremental change often appeals to independent voters and disaffected Republicans. Pete Buttigieg’s steady performance in early polls suggests that this segment remains a powerful force, wary of policies that might be perceived as too radical by the broader American electorate.

The waning influence of the establishment wing, as observed by Umam, could be a reflection of voter fatigue with traditional political figures and a desire for fresh leadership and bold ideas. While figures like Harris and Newsom possess significant experience and national profiles, they may struggle to differentiate themselves in an environment increasingly driven by ideological fervor and a demand for transformative change. The Democratic Party’s challenge will be to reconcile these competing visions to present a united front capable of winning the general election in 2028.

Policy Platforms and Ideological Divides: A Closer Look

Understanding the distinct policy platforms of these three factions is crucial for appreciating the potential future direction of U.S. policy.

• Progressive Democrats:

  • Economy: Advocate for higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals, universal basic income, stronger labor unions, and a federal jobs guarantee.
  • Healthcare: Support a single-payer "Medicare for All" system, eliminating private health insurance.
  • Environment: Champion the Green New Deal, calling for massive investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and job creation to combat climate change.
  • Social Justice: Focus on systemic racism, police reform, criminal justice overhaul, and expanding LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Foreign Policy: Tend to be more skeptical of military interventions, advocate for diplomatic solutions, and prioritize human rights and international cooperation over traditional power politics.

• Moderate Democrats:

  • Economy: Support targeted tax increases, investments in infrastructure and technology, and a balance between free markets and social safety nets.
  • Healthcare: Favor expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), public options, and reducing healthcare costs while retaining a role for private insurance.
  • Environment: Support climate action through renewable energy incentives, carbon pricing, and international agreements, but often with a more phased approach than progressives.
  • Social Justice: Advocate for incremental reforms in policing and criminal justice, and generally support civil rights legislation.
  • Foreign Policy: Generally align with traditional American foreign policy, emphasizing alliances, diplomatic engagement, and strategic competition with rivals, with a focus on stability and economic partnerships.

• Establishment Democrats:

  • Economy: Often support existing economic frameworks, corporate partnerships, and targeted government spending.
  • Healthcare: Tend to support and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, perhaps with minor adjustments, and work within the existing healthcare system.
  • Environment: Support climate initiatives through international agreements and technological innovation, often aligning with corporate sustainability efforts.
  • Social Justice: Generally support civil rights and social equality but may prioritize broader economic growth as a means to achieve these ends.
  • Foreign Policy: Tend to be multilateralists, emphasizing strong alliances (NATO, Asian partners), engagement with international institutions, and a continuation of established U.S. global leadership.

The internal contest will likely revolve around which of these platforms can best energize the Democratic base, appeal to independent voters, and ultimately secure victory in the general election.

The Road to 2028: Key Milestones and Hypothetical Scenarios

While 2028 seems distant, the path to the presidential election is paved with critical political milestones that will shape the Democratic nomination race.

• The 2024 General Election Outcome: The results of the 2024 presidential election, if President Biden seeks and wins re-election, or if he does not run and another Democrat wins, or if a Republican wins, will profoundly impact the 2028 landscape. If a Republican wins in 2024, it could intensify the internal Democratic debate, with different factions blaming each other for the loss and pushing for their preferred ideological direction as the path to regaining the White House. If a Democrat wins, the party might face less pressure for radical change but would still contend with the ongoing ideological tug-of-war for post-2028 leadership.
• The 2026 Midterm Elections: These elections will serve as a crucial barometer of public sentiment and the strength of the various Democratic factions. Candidates aligned with progressive, moderate, or establishment ideologies will test their appeal in congressional and gubernatorial races. Strong performances by candidates from a particular faction could bolster their influence and validate their policy approaches, providing momentum heading into the 2028 primary season. Conversely, significant losses could force a re-evaluation of strategies.
• Candidate Positioning and Fundraising (2025-2027): Even before formal announcements, potential candidates will begin to position themselves, build campaign infrastructure, and engage in fundraising efforts. This period will be critical for assessing their viability and ability to garner support from key donor networks and grassroots activists. The ability to raise significant funds will be a strong indicator of a candidate’s potential to mount a national campaign.
• Early Primary Polls and Debates (Late 2027-Early 2028): As the primary season approaches, early state polls, particularly in New Hampshire and Iowa, will gain immense significance. The Granite State Poll, cited by Umam, is an early indicator of this crucial process. The Democratic primary debates, likely to begin in late 2027, will provide a national stage for candidates to articulate their visions and challenge their rivals, shaping public perception and consolidating support.

Implications for U.S. Domestic Policy

The outcome of this internal Democratic struggle will have profound implications for U.S. domestic policy.

• Economy and Social Programs: A progressive victory could lead to a push for universal healthcare, free college tuition, significant wealth redistribution, and expansive climate investments, potentially financed by higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. A moderate victory would likely see a focus on strengthening existing social safety nets, targeted infrastructure spending, and fiscal prudence. The establishment wing might favor incremental adjustments to current policies, perhaps with an emphasis on public-private partnerships.
• Climate Change: The approach to climate change would vary significantly. Progressives would likely advocate for rapid, transformative action akin to the Green New Deal, with aggressive emissions targets and massive public investment. Moderates would support market-based solutions, technological innovation, and international cooperation, while possibly facing pressure to balance environmental goals with economic concerns.
• Social and Cultural Issues: The progressive wing would likely push for bolder reforms in areas like criminal justice, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. Moderates might adopt a more cautious approach, seeking broader consensus. The establishment would likely uphold current Democratic positions while prioritizing broader electoral appeal.

Global Repercussions: U.S. Foreign Policy and Indonesia’s Strategic Interests

The choice of the Democratic nominee and the subsequent ideological leanings of a future U.S. President will undeniably reverberate across the globe, directly impacting America’s relationships with allies and adversaries, its approach to international institutions, and its stance on critical global challenges. For Indonesia, a nation committed to a "free and active" foreign policy, understanding these potential shifts is paramount.

• U.S.-China Relations: This is arguably the most critical foreign policy challenge for any incoming U.S. administration.

  • Progressive Democrats: Might emphasize human rights concerns more strongly, potentially leading to more confrontational rhetoric on China’s domestic policies. However, they could also favor de-escalation of military tensions and greater cooperation on climate change, potentially seeking to decouple certain economic sectors.
  • Moderate Democrats: Would likely continue the strategic competition with China, emphasizing alliances in the Indo-Pacific, trade enforcement, and technological rivalry, while seeking areas of cooperation where possible.
  • Establishment Democrats: Would likely maintain a similar approach to moderates, perhaps with a greater emphasis on multilateral institutions and established diplomatic channels to manage the competition.
    The specific approach will dictate the regional security environment, trade flows, and technological cooperation, all of which directly affect Indonesia.

• Trade and Economic Policy:

  • Progressive Democrats: May favor more protectionist measures to protect American jobs and industries, potentially leading to less enthusiasm for new free trade agreements. They might also push for stronger labor and environmental standards in existing agreements.
  • Moderate and Establishment Democrats: Would likely advocate for a more open, rules-based trading system, though with an emphasis on fair trade and addressing imbalances. They might be more inclined to pursue regional trade initiatives.
    Indonesia, as a growing economy heavily reliant on trade, would need to adapt its economic diplomacy to these varying U.S. priorities.

• Climate Change and Environmental Diplomacy:

  • Progressive Democrats: Would likely prioritize climate action as a central pillar of foreign policy, potentially tying aid and trade to climate commitments. This could present both opportunities (e.g., green technology investment) and challenges (e.g., pressure on resource-intensive industries) for Indonesia.
  • Moderate and Establishment Democrats: Would continue engagement on climate change but might balance it with economic growth considerations, perhaps focusing on technology transfer and capacity building.
    Indonesia’s vast rainforests and significant role in global climate efforts mean it will be directly impacted by the U.S.’s climate agenda.

• Human Rights and Democracy Promotion:

  • Progressive Democrats: Are generally more vocal and assertive on human rights issues globally, which could lead to increased scrutiny of human rights records in partner countries, including those in Southeast Asia.
  • Moderate and Establishment Democrats: While supportive of human rights, might balance these concerns with strategic interests and diplomatic engagement, often preferring quiet diplomacy over public condemnation.
    Indonesia’s democratic transition and its own human rights record could come under varying degrees of scrutiny depending on the dominant Democratic faction.

• Engagement with Southeast Asia and Indonesia:

  • All factions would likely recognize the strategic importance of Southeast Asia as a bulwark against Chinese influence and a growing economic region. However, the mode of engagement might differ.
  • Progressives: Might focus on non-traditional security threats, climate resilience, and equitable economic development, potentially less on traditional military alliances.
  • Moderates and Establishment: Would likely prioritize strengthening security alliances, enhancing maritime cooperation, and promoting regional stability through existing frameworks like ASEAN. They would likely seek to bolster economic ties and investment.
    For Indonesia, a key player in ASEAN and a growing middle power, maintaining strong and predictable relations with the U.S. is vital for regional stability and its own economic development. A U.S. administration focused on its internal ideological battles might, inadvertently, divert attention from critical regional issues, or conversely, a clear ideological direction might provide a more coherent, albeit potentially different, engagement strategy.

Conclusion: The Stakes for the Democratic Party and the World

The ideological battle within the Democratic Party leading up to the 2028 presidential election is a defining moment for American politics. The rise of progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the steadfastness of moderates like Pete Buttigieg, and the challenges faced by establishment figures like Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom signal a dynamic and unpredictable future. The choice between these three distinct ideological paths will not only shape domestic policy on issues ranging from healthcare to climate change but will also dictate America’s posture on the global stage, influencing everything from trade relations to human rights and geopolitical rivalries.

For nations like Indonesia, actively monitoring these internal shifts is not merely an academic exercise but a strategic imperative. The "free and active" foreign policy that Indonesia champions necessitates a nuanced understanding of the evolving U.S. political landscape to effectively navigate potential changes in American foreign policy and safeguard its national interests in a complex and interconnected world. The outcome of this intra-party contest will ultimately determine whether the Democratic Party can unite its diverse factions behind a cohesive vision for the future, and in doing so, project a clear and consistent image of American leadership to the world.