We must brace ourselves for the consequences of Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States. Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to imagine that, now in office for a second term, he won’t carry out the promises he made during his campaign.
NATO, recently strengthened by the inclusion of Sweden and Finland, may have to contend with a return to Trump’s unstable and non-committal approach to the alliance, which has underpinned 80 years of peace in Europe.
Asia should also prepare for Trump’s proposed tariff barriers, which he’s vowed to impose on all Chinese imports, and potentially on the rest of Asia’s as well. Europe, too, could face new trade restrictions, given Trump’s statement that the EU would have to “pay dearly” for access to the U.S. market.
Trump’s vision of an isolated America will likely be felt globally. U.S. companies that rely on imported raw materials and semi-finished goods will have to push hard to ensure their needs are addressed.
The estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. may face mass deportation unless they find refuge in states with Democratic leadership that could potentially resist federal directives. Meanwhile, the 60,000 refugees the U.S. typically accepts each year may need to be absorbed by other countries.
One of the most concerning aspects of Trump’s leadership, evident from his TV days and his first term, is his belief that ruthlessness equates to decisiveness. His reliance on executive orders to sidestep Congress reflects his disregard for the democratic process. Moreover, his preference for loyalty over professional integrity suggests that key appointments in his administration may be based on personal connections rather than qualifications.
Finally, it’s deeply worrying that a convicted felon could return to the highest office while ongoing legal cases against him remain. The fact that many U.S. voters believe Trump is pursuing re-election for their benefit, rather than his own, is astonishing.
The most astonishing result after the election, is the arrogance from numerous commentators who appear not to believe in majority votes and democracy, and in letting the Americans themselves decide what they believe is good for them. Our opinion is irrelevant to their country and their decision.