Now that the initial shock of Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory has begun to fade, it is possible to think more clearly about the implications of his presidency. For those who believe in an America committed to its highest values of inclusiveness, pluralism and equality under the rule of law, and embedded in a rules-based, liberal global order, the task is twofold.
First, vigilance and scrutiny with regard to Trump’s administration at home and abroad, to prevent the most worrisome instincts he displayed during the election campaign from installing themselves durably in the American body politic and damaging America’s role and influence in the world.
Second, critical reflection with regard to the global order that has been built since the end of the Cold War, to reform it where needed so as to better respond to the many challenges it faces. Not least of these is the socio-economic grievances that made Trump’s populist appeal so effective.