Political scientist professor Leif Lewin explains in Dagens Nyheter why business logic fails in politics. He uses Donald Trump as an example of short-term and bombastic approach, but contrasts with smarter politicians like Vladimir Putin.
In a debate article published on December 29, 2025, Leif Lewin, professor of political science, questions whether politics is driven by the same forces as the market. Public choice advocates claim it is, with Trump as an inspiring figure prioritizing the short-term, bombastic, and self-interest above all.
Lewin writes: "The problem is that full-blooded politicians, like Putin, are smarter than that. As are the Swedish voters." He emphasizes that businessmen like Trump fail because politics requires different logic than the business world. Trump exemplifies an approach centered on personal gain, but established politicians like Putin navigate the system more sophisticatedly.
The article discusses broader implications for political decision-making and warns against directly applying market thinking to democracy. Lewin points to Swedish voters as a counterweight, smart enough not to fall for simplistic business maneuvers. The debate is timely amid global political shifts, including Trump's influence.
Background: Lewin is known for analyses of political systems, and the article appeared in DN Debatt, a platform for expert commentary.
