Donald Trump was voted into office amidst profound domestic political and economic changes in the United States. His presidency will have an immense impact on the existing international order.
The financial crisis that began in 2008 continues to take its toll on American society, while Obama's domestic policies during his eight years in office have had a far-reaching impact on America's social fabric and racial relations. A previously “oval-shaped” society, with the middle-class as the stabilizing factor, has now shifted to a much more perilous “dumbbell-shaped” structure.
Enjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Just $5 a month.Meanwhile, bitter political tussling between Republicans and Democrats has led to an impasse. Against this backdrop, the American people became discontented with the political establishment. At the same time, the people who actually run America – Wall Street tycoons and the military-industrial complex – are now turning away from the political establishment and moving to the forefront. A look at Trump's cabinet picks suggests he has appointed people directly from the military and financial sectors, two interest groups that have long been running American politics from behind the curtain.
Read Full Article »