If even a part of what he promised is fulfilled, Donald Trump's return to the White House will mark a turning point for the entire world. A new dividing line in modern history will be established: and time will be counted between before and after Trump's second term. This triumphant return is unprecedented - not only is Trump returning from defeat four years ago, but the Republican Party now controls the Senate and, most likely, the House, allowing the president-elect to radically change the course of this superpower. In addition, his conservative judges have a majority in the Supreme Court.
This political earthquake rests on the strong dissatisfaction of Americans with President Biden's policies - high inflation, uncontrolled immigration, as well as growing dissatisfaction with foreign policy, especially among the younger population and liberals. In addition, Biden was often disoriented in the last years of his mandate, it was doubted that he could continue to perform the function of president, but only in the twilight of the campaign did he step down and give way to Kamala Harris. She could not turn the game in favor of the Democrats in just a few months.
Many former Biden supporters did not vote because of their attitude towards the tragedy in Gaza. Tens of thousands of dead Palestinians, mostly civilian women and children, were watched by Washington by sending aid to its ally Netanyahu, while its citizens, who rose up on campuses and in the streets this year in the largest movement against the war since Vietnam, were trampled, arrested and brutally dispersed. . It was these people who returned the favor of the Democrats on the first Tuesday of November - they mostly stayed home and opened the White House door wide to the former controversial president, who was even criminally convicted.
Trump is an unacceptable choice for liberal Americans, but the Biden administration has disappointed them with the lack of response to key crises - from economic to global. In addition, Harris, instead of turning to the left and liberal America, went more and more to the right during the campaign, losing traditional voters, young people, minorities and even women, all of whom she was counting on.
Trump's second term is likely to bring economic and social policies that benefit the wealthiest, while the middle class and poorer citizens will feel the impact. Also, the proposed immigration measures, with announced mass deportations and sanctions, will further polarize the country and threaten human rights. Women, whose freedom of choice has already been called into question by the changes that began during Trump's previous term, could also be under attack. If his administration succeeds in implementing the planned restrictions on the right to abortion, as well as some other issues related to reproductive health, women in many countries will face serious restrictions on the right to autonomy over their own bodies.
Trump will have almost unlimited power to redefine both domestic and American foreign policy. With near-certain majorities in both houses of Congress, a Republican administration could weaken international institutions that support multilateralism, such as the United Nations, and lead to a global rethinking of the world order. For Europe, this turn could have far-reaching consequences, as Trump is likely to shift his focus to renewing close ties with authoritarian leaders like Putin, Orban, Rama, Vučić and others, while the transatlantic alliance is likely to become weaker than ever. The role and strength of NATO will be re-examined. All this could have a negative impact on the already difficult position of Ukraine. The situation in the Middle East could also be further complicated and affect not only that area, but also the stability of the Old Continent, into which rivers of migrants and refugees have already flowed, not to mention problems related to energy sources. All this has tired Europe before, and led some of its members to move to the right.
What is particularly worrying is the announcement of possible US economic sanctions, including an increase in import tariffs in America. The move could deal a serious blow to European economies, especially Germany, whose auto industry is already in crisis. In addition, Trump's skepticism towards climate change and opposition to the Paris Agreement further threaten Europe's efforts to deal with the environmental crisis, because without the involvement of large industrial nations, such as the USA, global advances in the field of environmental protection will be difficult to achieve.
But every drama carries a chance. The Trump era can be an impetus for Europe to strengthen internal unity and redefine its role in the world. The European Union may have to turn inward, strengthening its own weak institutions and alliances, as well as deepening its enlargement policy. Paradoxically, what is bad for the global system can open the door to the Balkans towards European integration. Montenegro could speed up its path to the EU, but on the condition that its bulky and disoriented Government commits more decisively to the necessary reforms in the judiciary, the economy, and human rights, in order to meet the expectations of Brussels and readily welcome the geopolitical changes that follow.
The return of Donald Trump to the head of America represents a defeat for all the values on which the country was founded - openness to the world, individual freedom, minority rights and the right of women to decide about their bodies. Big capital, including the most powerful companies and magnates, stood in the forefront of Trump's support. This mandate may be a victory for them, but a defeat for liberal democracy.
Europe now needs to rethink its future and face challenges on the global stage. It must also curb the extreme right on its own soil. Difficult tasks, but Trump is looking for an adequate and strong response.
Bonus video:
